At home BP monitors? accurate or no

Mrs.Carlybella

ok-  sorry this is repetitive info from my dr appt the other day- but in case someone who is reading and didn't know my bp situation- here it all is (also it is an XP from the high risk board!)

 

I have been labeled high risk due to chronic hypertension (although pre pregnancy I had normal readings, my BP has been high throughout the entire time).  My avg reading in office is about 135/80-85.   I had one reading once that has been 140/90, but otherwise have been below.

My last dr's appt is when she broke out the words 'high-risk' and needless to say that made me really concerned.  I begin weekly NSTs next week.

Last night I purchased a CVS brand wrist blood pressure monitor to electronically do my BP at home.   My reading last night was 125/78, and this morning was 122/71. 

I am very happy about this b/c i always thought i did have a bit of white coat syndrome,  however of course i can take it more at resting at home, and am now wondering about the accuracy of these machines because I do not want a false sense of security.

 

lailak42

I had to check my BP at home for awhile and I found it to be pretty accurate.  Sometimes I would get a crazy high reading, so I'd retake it and it would be fine.  My BP was always lower at home than at the doc's office.

julygal

They are fairly accurate if you are using it correctly.  My DH has one due to a heart condition and we have found it very reliable.  My dad has one as well and he was getting crazy readings.  Turns out the written directions didn't match the actual use of the machine, if that makes sense.  He was following the written directions, which had the cuff on incorrectly.  Once he started putting the cuff on correctly, he found it to be reliable as well.

dmogmo

Also, if you're worried about the accuracy take it with to the doctors and have them check you normally and then use the machine. We used to do this all the time when I worked with outpatient heart patients.  That way, even if the numbers aren't exactly the same (they probably won't be) you will know about how close it is.