Why is the first blood pressure reading higher than the second?

Your first blood pressure reading will almost always be higher than the second due to a wide range of factors, both environmental and psychological. These factors include white coat syndrome, stress, and having a full bladder.

Why is my blood pressure different the second time I take it?

It's normal for blood pressure to vary somewhat throughout the day. Stress, exercise, and sleep can all make a difference. But if your blood pressure often changes significantly from one healthcare visit to another, there may a problem.

Is the first reading of blood pressure accurate?

It's ideal to measure your blood pressure twice a day for two weeks leading up to a doctor's appointment, or following a change in medication. At each sitting, measure your blood pressure three times, but discard the first reading as it tends to be inaccurate. Write down the average of the second and third reading.

Is the first or second blood pressure number more important?

The first reflects systolic blood pressure, the amount of pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts. The second reflects diastolic blood pressure, the pressure in the arteries between heart muscle contractions. For years, systolic blood pressure has been seen as the one that really matters.

Is second BP reading more accurate?

Recent home BP guidelines have stated that the average of the first and second readings should be used for clinical practice [13,14], but taking the average SBP of the second and third readings may best predict the awake SBP [20].

Should you take multiple Blood Pressure readings? How many BP readings are required?

Why is my 1st blood pressure reading high?

Your first blood pressure reading will almost always be higher than the second due to a wide range of factors, both environmental and psychological. These factors include white coat syndrome, stress, and having a full bladder.

Should you ignore the first blood pressure reading?

Ignore the first day's readings altogether, because they might not be accurate as you're not familiar with your monitor yet. At the end of the week you will have a useful picture of what your blood pressure is normally like.

How long after you wake up should you take your blood pressure?

Your blood pressure should be checked in the morning, about an hour after you wake up, and in the evening, about an hour before you go to sleep, using the same arm each time. Taking 3 consecutive measurements (about 1 minute apart) will provide a more accurate understanding of your "true" blood pressure.

How do I lower the top number of my blood pressure?

Which part of blood pressure reading is most important?

Abstract. Purpose of review: Diastolic blood pressure has traditionally been considered the most important component of blood pressure and the primary target of antihypertensive therapy.

Can a tight blood pressure cuff cause a high reading?

Improper placement of the cuff over clothing can cause your blood pressure measurement to increase by 10 to 50 points. If the cuff is too small, it can add 2 to 10 points to your bp measurement.

How many times should you take your blood pressure to get an accurate reading?

Measure your blood pressure twice daily. The first measurement should be in the morning before eating or taking any medications, and the second in the evening. Each time you measure, take two or three readings to make sure your results are accurate.

Can blood pressure fluctuate within minutes?

Most healthy individuals have variations in their blood pressure — from minute to minute and hour to hour. These fluctuations generally happen within a normal range. But when blood pressure regularly spikes higher than normal, it's a sign that something isn't right.

Should you take multiple blood pressure readings?

Even when at rest, blood pressure fluctuates constantly. As a result, doctors and hypertension society advise taking at least two readings each time and averaging the results. A series of measurements provides far more reliable information about blood pressure than a single measurement.

Can I take my blood pressure twice in a row?

Forty-six percent of Americans have high blood pressure, but studies show when it's taken twice at your doctor's office - with at least one minute in between - the second reading is typically lower and a more accurate measurement.

Can drinking lots of water lower blood pressure?

Something as simple as keeping yourself hydrated by drinking six to eight glasses of water every day improves blood pressure. Water makes up 73% of the human heart,¹ so no other liquid is better at controlling blood pressure.

Why is only my diastolic high?

However, isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) occurs when your systolic blood pressure is normal, and only your diastolic blood pressure is high (over 80 mm Hg). IDH is an uncommon type of hypertension, accounting for less than 20% of all hypertension cases.

Which is worse a high systolic or diastolic?

Over the years, research has found that both numbers are equally important in monitoring heart health. However, most studies show a greater risk of stroke and heart disease related to higher systolic pressures compared with elevated diastolic pressures.

Which arm to measure blood pressure right or left?

(It's best to take your blood pressure from your left arm if you are right-handed. However, you can use the other arm if you have been told to do so by your healthcare provider.) Rest in a chair next to a table for 5 to 10 minutes. (Your left arm should rest comfortably at heart level.)

What can I drink in the morning to lower my blood pressure?

The top drinks for lowering blood pressure include water, fruit juices (pomegranate, prune, cranberry, cherry), vegetable juice (tomato, raw beet), tea (black, green), and skim milk.

Why do you discard first BP reading?

suggested that discarding the first reading may improve the accuracy of the diagnosis of hypertension. Furthermore, in order to eliminate the increase of BP associated with the effect of alarm, ESH guidelines for home BP measurement recommend discarding the measurements performed on the first day.

How much does anxiety raise BP?

The resulting anxiety can elevate blood pressure 10 points or more.” Studies have shown that clinics rarely take two or more blood pressure readings, even though the ACC/AHA guidelines suggest that doing so could reduce the effects of WCH.

How do I know if my blood pressure machine is accurate?

Check for accuracy

“If the systolic blood pressure (the top number) on your cuff is within 10 points of the monitor, then it's generally accurate,” he says. Most home blood pressure machines last for about two or three years. After that, check it at your doctor's office annually to make sure it's still accurate.

Why do I get different blood pressure readings?

Generally, a small difference in blood pressure readings between arms isn't a health concern. However, a difference of more than 10 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) for either your top number (systolic pressure) or bottom number (diastolic) may be a sign of blocked arteries in the arms, diabetes or other health problem.

Is 150 90 A good blood pressure?

As a general guide: high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher (or 150/90mmHg or higher if you're over the age of 80) ideal blood pressure is usually considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.