Accuracy of manual vs. automatice BP monitors
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 02 2010
Q: Are manual Blood Pressure Monitors, the type that you pump up by hand, any more accurate than the automatic BP Monitors that have an electric pump? Is there a noticable difference in BP readings with these two types of BP monitors or do they have about the same accuracy?
A: Used correctly, both types of monitors give accurate blood pressure measurements. Automatic blood pressure monitors leave less room for user error. However the gold standard for blood pressure taking is the mercury sphygmomanometer, a manual device. To read the current national guideline for taking blood pressure measurements click here.
Tags: automatic blood pressure, blood pressure measurement, blood pressure measurements, Blood pressure monitor, blood pressure monitors, bp, bp monitors, gold standard, Measuring Your BP, mercury sphygmomanometer, national guideline, taking blood pressureHow to measure bp
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 14 2009
Q: Why on the first reading is the systolic higher, sometimes almost ten points, the second reading is lower and the third is even lower? I read that having three readings is a good way to take a blood pressure reading. My BP monitor can average three measures taken within ten minutes.
A: Blood pressure is not constant. Taking blood pressure three times in a row, allows your pressure to stabilize to the setting. The average of the three readings represents your typical pressure. Click here for a guideline that explains proper BP measuring.
Tags: bp, measureing bp, measures, Measuring Your BP, systolic, taking blood pressure, three timesVariability of BP readings
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 19 2009
Q: My readings vary a lot, ranging from the healthy zone of 115/76 all the way up to 150/95. Many of my readings are in the 136/86 zone +/- In addition to being a Resperate user for several years, I am also newly taking a betablocker to help control my blood pressure. What is the significance of having such a wide range of readings?
A: Blood pressure is not constant. It varies with activities and natural body rhythms. However, when you repeatedly have elevated readings, it shows your blood pressure is not in good control. I assume this is why you were started on medication.
Tags: betablocker, blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, hypertension, Measuring Your BP, medication, RESPeRATEMeasuring BP at doctor’s office
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 03 2009
Q: Is there a reason why most doctors’ offices use a digital device to measure blood pressure rather than the manual type? When I was younger the nurse would hold your arm to heart level and take your pressure, now they just put the cuff on and press the button with the arm hanging which gives me higher numbers. Does it matter where the arm is placed?
A: I do not know what type of equipment is the most frequently used to monitor blood pressure in the office setting. However, it is important that blood pressure be taken properly to get an accurate reading. Many articles have suggested that blood pressure is frequently not measured correctly, even in a doctor’s office. The American Heart Association position is that the upper arm should be supported at the level of the heart. You should discuss your experience with your doctor. You will be doing the practice a great service.
Tags: blood pressure, bp, heart level, measuring blood pressure, Measuring Your BPChecking reliability of BP monitor
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 17 2009
Q: I have a BP monitor “Sunbeam” brand that is 14 years old. I have started using it lately and it seems to give consistent readings, 150/85 to 130/78 depending upon the time of day I take the reading. I am wondering if I should buy a new monitor to be sure that I am getting good readings. Do these devices wear out or lose accuracy over time?
A: Take your blood pressure monitor with you on your next visit to your doctor. You can compare your monitor reading with that taken by your doctor. If both readings are similar, you can be confident your monitor is still working.
Tags: Blood pressure monitor, bp, checking blood pressure, hypertension, Measuring Your BP, sunbeamNormal blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: May 13 2009
Q: Is 107/95 blood pressure normal?
A: A single blood pressure reading should not be used to determine if someone has high blood pressure. By definition, normal blood pressure is a reading of 120/80 or less. If either the top number or bottom number is higher, the reading is considered abnormal.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, bottom number, high blood pressure, Measuring Your BP, Misc, normal blood pressureFear of measuring BP
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: May 11 2009
Q: I take Nadolol 20 mg once a day. My BP is high when I go to the doctor all the time, 150/100. My heart rate is generally in the 60s. I am afraid to take my blood pressure at home in fear that it is high. What can I do to get my fear of ‘the machine’ so that I can track my pressure at home. Will the Resperate system help with this?
A: The RESPeRATE is very soothing to use because of the personalized music that is generated. It is cleared for sale as a stress-reduction device. Focusing on the device melody certainly could serve as a distraction while monitoring your blood pressure. In addition regular use of the device can help keep your blood pressure in control. It is a good idea to take your blood pressure 2-3 times when monitoring to get an average reading.
Tags: Anxiety & Stress, blood pressure, fear, heart rate, Measuring Your BP, nadolol, stress reductionGuidelines for measuring BP
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 08 2009
Q: Please tell me how BP should be taken. My medical facility takes it over clothes, arm hanging, asking me questions, same size cuff for everyone. I have questioned them and they say it doesn’t make a difference. Everything I have read says the opposite.
A: Blood pressure needs to be taken properly for an accurate reading. To see a clinical guideline giving correct instructions and appropriate cuff sizes click here.
Tags: blood pressure, clinical guideline, cuff size, measuring blood pressure, Measuring Your BPWhite coat hypertension
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 16 2009
Q: I have a problem with high blood pressure whenever I go to the doctor’s office, and the doctor gave me medication. But my blood pressue is good when I measure it at home. What do I do? Do I have to take the medication? Please advise.
A: Record your blood pressure at home and show these measurements to your doctor. It sounds like you may have “white coat hypertension”. This is a well known condition when blood pressure is only elevated at the doctor’s office. In some cases, 24 hour blood pressure monitoring is ordered to prove that this is the case and blood pressure medication is not needed. To learn more about monitoring your blood pressure at home, click here.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, blood pressure medication, blood pressure monitoring, high blood pressure, Measuring Your BP, white coat hypertensionBlood pressure monitor
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 02 2009
Q: What brand or type of blood pressure monitor do you recommend for at home use?
A: A site that reviews blood pressure monitors can be found at
http://www.consumersearch.com/blood-pressure-monitors. You should choose a blood pressure monitor that has a good manufacturer and meets your needs. Personally, I have an ancient Omron unit that has been so reliable it hasn’t needed replacement.
