Q: When you say take 3 readings and average them is this one reading after the next? My BP is always lower the secondand third reading. I take my BP with my arm resting on a pillow beside me and it checks better than when I go to the DR. where they just let your arm hang down and take it as soon as you walk to the room. THANK YOU
A: Take three consecutive readings and average them. Typically the second and third readings are lower as your body settles into the fact that blood pressure is being measured. The recommendation is to wait three to five minutes before taking blood pressure and to support the arm. For tips on taking blood pressure at home, go to this article on FamilyDoctor.org on measuring your bp at home. I suggest you mention your observations about how the staff is taking blood pressure to your doctor.
Watch this video on checking your own blood pressure – LowerPressure.com
Further Reading:
Checking Your Blood Pressure at Home – WebMD.com
10 things to know about monitoring blood pressure at home – ValleyNewsLive.com
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Baloney. Use the Mayo Clinic protocol. Three measurements, at least 5 minutes apart. Throw the first reading out, and average the remaining two.
All the best to you.
I agree with D. Carestia, except that the article I read about the Mayo Clinic protocol did not mention the 5 minute seperation between readings.
I’ve wondered about the effect of taking a succeeding BP that might be caused by the effect of the previous reading on the arterial system.
The delay may negate that effect, and I’m sure that the “rest” time alone would tend to allow the BP to lower somewhat.
Why is it that D. Carestia usually gives better and more straightforward advice than you people? You should have him/her on your team!!
“Why is it that D. Carestia usually gives better and more straightforward advice than you people?”
Funny; I’ve yet to see that. Usually it’s vauge references to ‘some’ studies, personal opinion, personal attacks, and complete bias.
Actually this is not accurate. D. Carestia usually does have very good information to share and not “vague” at all. For example, I learned about a supplement, Arginine, that is a time released formula. It does work too. I also discovered that it is available through Life Extension. Thanks for the tip!
The higher reading at the doctors office is probably white coat syndrome. I have the same problem. Also, the nurses at the doctors office are always in a hurry. They rush you in, take one reading and that’s it. Mine can be 20 points higher. Especially if the nurse is cute, lol.
That always happens to me also, my reading is high at the office and lower at home. It is always better on the second and third reading.