Why is the first BP reading always 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.

Is the first or second blood pressure reading more 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.

Why is second BP reading lower?

Systolic pressure (the first number in a blood pressure reading) measures the force with which the heart pumps blood into the arteries. Diastolic pressure (the second, lower number) reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.

Is the first or second blood pressure number more important?

Q. When I am monitoring my blood pressure, which number is most important — top, bottom, or both? A. While both numbers in a blood pressure reading are essential for diagnosing and treating high blood pressure, doctors primarily focus on the top number, also known as systolic pressure.

Should The First Blood Pressure Reading Be Discarded? Because It's Always Higher

Why do I get 2 different blood pressure readings?

It's actually quite normal. A difference of more than 10 points, though, could suggest trouble. In younger people, side-to-side differences in blood pressure can occur when a muscle or something else compresses an artery supplying the arm, or by a structural problem that prevents smooth blood flow through an artery.

How do I lower the 2nd number of my blood pressure?

Why do I get 3 different blood pressure readings?

This is to account for normal variations between readings. Your BP fluctuates depending on the time of day and in response to many factors, such as body position, eating, and how recently you've been physically active.

How long should I wait to take a second to blood pressure reading?

Wait 1 to 3 minutes after the first reading, and then take another. If your monitor doesn't keep track of blood pressure readings or heart rates, write them down.

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

Take your blood pressure at the same time every day. Take at least two readings, 1 or 2 minutes apart.

Should your blood pressure be higher or lower when you first wake up?

Blood pressure has a daily pattern. Usually, blood pressure starts to rise a few hours before a person wakes up. It continues to rise during the day, peaking in midday. Blood pressure typically drops in the late afternoon and evening.

What time of day is blood pressure lowest?

Blood pressure changes throughout the day. Your blood pressure is typically at its lowest right after waking up. It tends to vary by up to 30% across the day. This is because of hormone changes, activity level, and eating.

Which blood pressure reading is most accurate first second or third?

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].

Can BP fluctuate within minutes?

Everyone's blood pressure rises and falls many times during the course of a single day, sometimes even within minutes. Many factors contribute to these changes, including physical activity, emotion, body position, diet (especially salt and alcohol intake), and sleep deprivation.

How do I lower my first blood pressure number?

Can a tight blood pressure cuff cause a high reading?

Blood Pressure Cuff Placement

If the cuff is too small, it can add 2 to 10 points to your bp measurement. Be sure to roll up your sleeve for a blood pressure test and also let your doctor know if the cuff feels too tight around your arm.

Do automatic blood pressure machines read high?

A study has shown that automated blood pressure monitors seem to provide inaccurate readings in 5 to 15 percent of people. The study has also stated that the varying blood pressure can be a result of several factors.

Are home BP monitors accurate?

However, even a device that has passed an accepted validation test will not provide accurate readings in all patients; the error may be consistently ± 5 mm Hg in many individuals, especially elderly patients or patients with diabetes.

How much can anxiety raise blood pressure?

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.

Why is my second BP number high?

High diastolic blood pressure is a type of hypertension. Doctors do not know exactly why it happens, but obesity, high triglyceride levels, smoking, and alcohol may all contribute. Medication and lifestyle choices can often help manage it.

Which is more important systolic or diastolic?

Systolic blood pressure is the best way to predict future cardiovascular events and death, irrespective of age, according to new research. But in younger people, diastolic blood pressure could still be important.

What is the fastest way to lower systolic blood pressure?

How do I get my systolic number down?