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What affects blood pressure readings?
- Nervousness at the Doctor’s office. This might happen at the doctor’s office because of being nervous about your health; often named “white coat syndrome”. As a result, blood pressure is higher than normal but still is normal.
- What you ate, drank, or did before your reading.
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Tobacco
- If you smoked, drank alcohol or caffeine, or exercised within 30 minutes of having your blood pressure measured, your reading might be higher.
- Sitting position. While measuring your blood pressure uncross your legs and rest your arm on the table at your heart level.
- Exercise: it is recommended to get your blood pressure measured before doing exercise.
- Bathroom. It is recommended to empty your bladder before taking a measurement. A full bladder can give you a higher-than-normal reading.
- Cuff size. If the cuff does not properly fit your upper arm, you may get inaccurate readings. Choosing the right size cuff is important.
- Clothing. It is better to put the cuff over bare skin for an accurate reading, do not put the cuff over clothing.
- Position. For consistent and comparable results, always use the same arm, and position it properly. It should be rested at the level of your heart on a chair arm or table. Your back should be supported, and your legs should be uncrossed.
- Stress. To get the most accurate reading, avoid stressful thoughts, and sit in a comfortable position for 5 minutes before taking a measurement.
- Talking. Avoid talking when taking your blood pressure, as it could elevate the measurement.
