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When Should I Take BP Reading?

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Posted on Sat, 24 Jan 2015
Question: hi! when should I be taking my blood pressure ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Following my suggestions about BP measurement...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX!

I read your query very carefully and would like to give my suggestions:
- Blood pressure BP should be measured at any time, if you experience something new such as chest pain, head ache, dyspnea etc.
- BP should be measured on both arms to see any difference.
- BP should be measured on lying down and on standing.
- BP shouldn't be measured immediately after physical activity, because this may give high levels readings (false positive). I recommend in such a case to measure BP after 5-10 minutes of resting.

Hope this will be of help!
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again.
Dr. Benard


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (22 minutes later)
I thought that the right arm wouldnt work for blood pressure? My blood pressure was 135/80 the other day now its reading 156/80. im not sure if that's just the at home blood pressure monitor. If the cuff is too tight, like really painful once inflated, could that contribute to a higher reading ?? How long do i have to wait between readings ? 5 minutes? Thanks. :)
doctor
Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Stay 5-10 minutes relaxed on a chair (or bed) and than measure again BP.

Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX,

It's recommended for the first time to measure BP in both arms. If there's no major difference between arms, than you can continue measuring only the right arms.

The last measurment (156/80 mmHg) is slightly elevated, but i need to know if you were over stressed or doing some physical activity.

As I recommended earlier you should be relaxed and shouldn't measure BP immediately after physical activity. Stay 5-10 minutes relaxed on a chair (or bed) and than measure again BP.

If it's normal (<140/90 mmHG) than you shouldn't be worried.

Wish you health!
DR. Benard
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (13 minutes later)
I'll update you in about an hour with the blood pressure. Can you recommend an accurate at home blood pressure monitor ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I recommend Omron BP785 as a very accurate BP monitor...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXX,

I'm waiting for your updates. Meanwhile i recommend Omron BP785. It's an automatic BP Monitor which is very accurate.

Wish you health!
Dr. Benard
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (9 minutes later)
You're awesome, thanks so much. I actually have the 7 series wrist cuff but unfortunately its always like 10 points lower than my actual bp. This is the one i have just purchased: http://www XXXXXXX com/Professional-Pressure-One-Size-Fits-All-Greater-Goods/dp/B00N9I63PG/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=0000&sr=1-1&keywords=health+gurus+professional+upper+arm+blood+pressure+monitor


I'll update you in a few.
I've just started taking vitamin d3, garlic, and Coenzyme Q10
doctor
Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
I'm waiting your updates...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX,

Thank you very much for your compliments!

I'm waiting for your updates. Meanwhile i encourage you to continue with vitamin d3, garlic, and Coenzyme Q10.

Wish you health!
Dr. Benard
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (18 minutes later)
no problem! earlier I had a reading of 125/70 and now it's 140/80..I believe it's just the monitor being inaccurate. good news my resting heart rate is about 89 now rather than 93 what it was...how would you recommend that I keep my sodium under control ? or is that something that I should be asking a nutritionist ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (49 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
There's no significant difference in your BP readings, control salt intake.

Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX,

It's a normal variation on BP values from measurement to measurement (as a rule with BP monitor from measurement to measurement the BP may vary ± 20 mmHg).

This is why to my opinion there's no significant difference in your BP readings and BP monitor is accurate (difference within accepted limits).

However it's a good thing to control your sodium intake, because these will help in stabilizing your BP and prevent from future hypertension.

I would like to make the following recommendation:
- avoid salty food, (like sausice, ham, cheese etc).
- avoid precooked food (fast food).
- avoid eating to much red meat (pork, lamb, beef).
- eat fresh foods reach on fibers, white meat and fish.
- increase physical activity.

Wish you health!
Dr. Benard
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Benard Shehu

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2257 Questions

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When Should I Take BP Reading?

Brief Answer: Following my suggestions about BP measurement... Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX! I read your query very carefully and would like to give my suggestions: - Blood pressure BP should be measured at any time, if you experience something new such as chest pain, head ache, dyspnea etc. - BP should be measured on both arms to see any difference. - BP should be measured on lying down and on standing. - BP shouldn't be measured immediately after physical activity, because this may give high levels readings (false positive). I recommend in such a case to measure BP after 5-10 minutes of resting. Hope this will be of help! If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again. Dr. Benard