Q: My B/P is usually between 128/70 &130/80.Today it was 160/90 for the first time ever. But I have been plagued over the weekend with a sinus ache caused by dry air from the heating system. Could that have caused my B/P today? My doctor will see me again in 2 weeks.
A: If you are taking medicine for your sinus headache, it is possible the medicine is causing your increase in blood pressure. Many over the counter medicines for sinus problems, headaches, and colds contain drugs that increase blood pressure. Check your pressure again when you are feeling well.
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How accurate are those blood pressure machines you find in grocery stores?
Blood pressure, as measured manually by a trained nurse, using the correct procedure is accurate to 9.9% for either number, call it +/- 10%. Correct procedure calls for five minutes of resting followed by a measurement in one arm, then after another five minutes measuring the other arm, and then after another five minutes measuring the original arm. This done in a quiet room without talking, without crossed legs, sitting comfortably and not leaning forward. The worst of the three measurements is thrown out and the remaining two are averaged. This gets you to +/- 10%. So, if you measure 120/80, it could be anything from 108/72 to 132/88. A really good automatic system is worse. A cheap system is worse still. The idea that BP can be measured to three significant digits, such as 123/87 is ludicrous. At best, conventional one-shot clinical measurements should be determined in cm of mercury, for example 12/6 cmHg, but because this measurement method has been around for over 100 years, it leads us into thinking that the measurement is more accurate than it is. We don’t, for instance, quote the outside temperature as 75.438 degrees because the accuracy is not there.
David, that accuracy of +/-10% is very interesting to me. Do you have a reference for this info? Thanks.
I, also, have noticed a significant increase in blood pressure at times of sinus pressure/headache. I don’t take any medication that could be deemed the causative agent. It seems to me there are many systemic events that one experiences, sinus problems among them, that can have major effects on blood pressure. Why would this not be expected?
Our bp is not static and constant. It changes from moment to moment. So even with a very precise meter a 10% of uncertainty is the best to hope for. long term and many measurements can gice us some statistical confidence of our bp. It’s important to enjoy life no matter what state you are.
Due to allergy, Dr prescribed Allegra D, do you know if this medication can alter blood pressure readings ?