Blood Pressure Monitor

Took my blood pressure monitor to my doctor's office to check if the reading was correct.  The reading was 30 points higher than doctor's office!  Could the pacemaker be affecting the bp monitor.  BP Monitor is only 6 months old, has new batteries.  I use it on my left arm, was told I would not get a true reading if it is on my right arm  

Would the wrist b/p monitor be more accurate?

5 Comments

Arm must be in exactly the right place for wrist BP monitor

by Gotrhythm - 2018-05-05 13:04:29

Wrist monitors are only accurate if you hold your arm in exactly the right place. I use the Onmron Intellisense. A blue light comes on if the device is in the right position, orange if it's wrong. If it isn't in the right position, you won't get a reading, just an error message. I have found mine agrees within a few points with the doctor's office. It has been clinicallly tested and shown to be as accurate as the cuff, and is money-back guaranteed by the manufacturer to be accurate.

With any wrist monitor you have to use the left wrist because on the right wrist the embedded sensors won't be in the right place anatomiically. They'd be upside down.

That being said, a ten point difference between two devices is acceptable. Thirty points isn't. You might try moving your arm or chest to see if you can get an accurate reading. If not, you should try to get your money back.

BP monitoring

by islandgirl - 2018-05-05 15:43:53

My EP told me the wrist monitor usually reads high and not to use that style.  I bought an Onmron brand that wraps around my upper arm and is plugged into a small digital box.  When I had to take my bp and record my pulse, I had to take it each monring before my meds (no bp meds--just beta blockers) and in the evening just before my meds (beta blockers) and if I had a lightheaded event I would take it and record it as well.  I had to write it down for a couple of weeks and take a photo and email it to the office every few days.  He wanted to make sure my bp wasn't causing the lightheaded episodes.  He was interested in consistency and any changes.  Mine was very helpful, as my pulse always recorded irregular.  My problems were arrhythmias.  Good luck.  

BP Monitor

by SandiV - 2018-05-05 17:36:58

Thank you everyone!  Most helpful.  Taking the monitor back and checking into something more useful.  I agree Robin1, not to dwell on blood pressure.  

BP Monitor

by BigKeyLargoHeart - 2018-05-06 13:10:44

I got this Omron BP Meter from Walmart about 6-months ago! Get BEST most Accurate Readings from RIGHT arm,  plus what HELPS the most the Mrs. HOLD my Totally RELAXED Arm up with her one hand supporting under the wrist gently and her other hand supporting gently under the elbow! Then the readings MATCH the Doctors Office like 100%  https://www.walmart.com/ip/Omron-Bp742n-5-Series-Advanced-accuracy-Upper-Arm-Blood-Pressure-Monitor/38335908 ONLY $39.99 plus received FREE Shipping!!!

According to MY Cardiology Office . . .

by NiceNiecey - 2018-05-07 02:16:00

. . . That Electronic cuffs are INaccurate with PM patients.  I have an expensive cuff that works with my iPad (got it for my husband before I was paced) and did what you did: took it to their offices to adjust it.  It was woefully inaccurate.

I have had 2 different cardio offices and neither uses anything but the old fashioned BP cuff with a stethoscope.

 

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