Blood Pressure

Patriot3 · ‎06-07-2010

I have borderline high BP. Meaning it jumps up and down. Two hours ago it was 114/63. I thought I would check it again before I took my med and it is 159/81. Drives me crazy!! Guess time to check in w/my Cardiologist.

Scooby Doo · ‎03-14-2010

Did you check it twice? When it's high like that, wait a minute and then check it again. Often it will be lower. Those numbers are quite a range. Are you sure your BP cuff is good? My cardiologist gave me instructions on how to do it because I get the "white coat" syndrome. I sit on my chair and put the cuff on, put my feet flat on the floor, wait 5 minutes to get distracted, then push the button. I get accurate readings when I do that.

Otherwise, yes check with your doctor.

sgraham30 · ‎03-14-2010

In the instructions that I received with the BP monitor that I have (Omron Model # BP742N) you're advised to sit quietly for 15 minutes before taking your blood pressure. If you've eaten or drank anything, you're to wait 30 minutes before taking your BP.

When ready, put the cuff on whichever arm you're using, plant both feet on the ground, be sitting in a chair that supports your back, leaning back.

With the unit that I have, 3 BP measurements are taken, then averaged together by the machine itself. You take the 1st measurement, wait until the monitor screen goes blank, take the 2nd measurement, wait until the screen goes blank, take the 3rd measurement. Then you press a button on the unit that averages the 3 readings.

Omron-Bp742n instruction manual

BP fluctuates during the day also: https://www.bpmonitoradvisor.com/why-does-blood-pressure-fluctuate/

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

This is what Mayo says:

"The first measurement should be in the morning before eating or taking any medications, and the second in the evening. Each time you measure, take two or three readings to make sure your results are accurate. Your doctor might recommend taking your blood pressure at the same times each day."

halfpint1 · ‎03-10-2010

I was told if the bp was over 150 take a certain pill again. I take mine at night but not every day.

phoenixbrd · ‎03-27-2010

Include taking the blood pressure on each arm.

Grouchomarx · ‎01-23-2019

You need to be calm and relaxed when you take it. If you are upset, frustrated or have been running around doing housework, etc, it will not be accurate. I always take mine in the morning, sitting on my couch taking a few deep breaths and being very calm.

corita · ‎08-20-2012

@Grouchomarx wrote:
You need to be calm and relaxed when you take it. If you are upset, frustrated or have been running around doing housework, etc, it will not be accurate. I always take mine in the morning, sitting on my couch taking a few deep breaths and being very calm.
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That is why I keep telling my cardio and GP...take my reading after I sat in the room and waited for a while. I have to drive thru some crowded, busy traffic to get to doc office. Then they rush you in, weigh you, health questions and then take BP...of course...my reading will be high!! When it is 'high', I always have them take my reading again at the end of apt.

lovesrecess · ‎03-14-2010

I have an Omron monitor and my dr said it is the best brand out there. He asked me to bring it with me for my next appt so they could make sure it was calibrated like the one in the dr office. Was surprised my readings were exactly the same using mine and using theirs. I take mine twice a day. I know not talking or doing anything else is best while taking your BP.

sfnative · ‎03-10-2010

@Patriot3 wrote:
I have borderline high BP. Meaning it jumps up and down. Two hours ago it was 114/63. I thought I would check it again before I took my med and it is 159/81. Drives me crazy!! Guess time to check in w/my Cardiologist.

@Patriot3

There are many things which can affect your blood pressure.

*First thing in the morning, it's usually on the lower side.

*After bathing/showering, it will be higher. (Because your body is hot/really warm)

*Somewhat after a meal, your BP should drop, because a certain amount of your blood travels to the "portal system," which is located near the intestines and liver.

*If you do not keep hydrated by drinking sufficient fluid, your blood pressure can actually skyrocket and worse, your thought processes can slow considerably, which occurs in the elderly population quite often.

*Sodium intake: Watch how much you salt your food and how much you salt the food you're making. Additionally, do you tend to purchase "salty foods?" If you're living a salty life per these parameters, it's possible your BP could be greatly affected and run high. The best thing we can do for our bodies is to not add salt to what's on our plate and to add minimal salt when cooking. Best advice is to cease purchasing salty snacks.

*After a nap or rest of several hours, your BP should ready lower (with legs elevated).

*Every time your physiology is "excited," whether in argument, at a party, in the heat of getting ready for the holidays, etc., your body is running some amount of adrenalin, which naturally raises your blood pressure. Best practices is to lead a life free of stressors which cause the release of adrenalin. Ha! I know that's easier said than done, as I'm attempting to do the same.

There's so much more to be said, but I'll stop here.

Wishing you the best of luck.