Took husbands bp while he was reclined in bed. 160/120. 2 minutes later no change to position it was 130/75. he doesnt have high bp problems. faulty cuff? mine also higher than at an office as well (im usually 115/75, but 128/84 with this cuff?

If one is doubtful about the accuracy of their BP machine, it is a good idea to take it to their PCP's office and have it checked against the Standard BP machine used by the Physician. That said BP can fluctuate considerably, depending on many variables. Best to check with PCP for confirmation and appropriate action , if indicated.

By my experience when comparing BP by home instrument (electronic manometer) with standardized manual check with stethoscope, the electronic manometer usually gives a higher number around 5-10 mm Hg, sometimes more. However, the difference was too much in your husband's BP, especially the lower number (diastolic pressure) which means there was some technical error with the first check.

Blood pressure should be measured while at rest in a comfortable position for at least 10 minutes. The patient should not be engaged in conversation while the pressure is being recorded. If the BP machine is new, the measurement should be compared during the same visit using both machines in succession. Not paying attention to these details results in an inaccurate and unreliable reading.

The second and third readings are more reliable than the first. Sometimes BP goes up when one sees the Doctor in the office (white coat syndrome) and BP becomes normal after one relaxes. Also. one has to make sure that the machine is reliable and that the cuff is placed right and above the elbow bone.