Why Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Is More Accurate Than Doctor’s Office Checks
High blood pressure (a.k.a. hypertension) is a top risk factor for some of the most common and deadly medical emergencies, including heart attacks and strokes. Consistently high pressure can damage the tissue inside your arteries, leading to plaque buildup and reducing blood flow to your heart and brain.
The problem with doctor’s office blood pressure checks
Blood pressure is exquisitely sensitive, changing from moment to moment. It’s “affected by emotional status, mental health, physical activity, ambient temperature, medications, whether you ate, whether you slept well, and on and on,” says Raj Padwal, a professor of medicine at the University of Alberta. This sensitivity is why getting an accurate blood pressure reading in a doctor’s office can be challenging.
Readings taken in a doctor’s office can be misleading for a few reasons. There may be equipment problems, with calibration being neglected in analog devices or faulty validation of digital devices. Additionally, the positioning of the patient may not be optimal, and the cuff size could be incorrect, resulting in inaccurate readings.
There are also common phenomena that can affect blood pressure readings in a doctor’s office. Some people experience elevated blood pressure, known as white-coat hypertension, due to the stress of a medical visit, while others may have lowered blood pressure, known as masked hypertension, due to feeling calmer in a medical setting. These factors can contribute to the variability of blood pressure measurements taken at a doctor’s office.
Studies have shown that blood pressure measurements taken in a doctor’s office can fluctuate significantly across different visits, making it difficult for doctors to accurately assess the effectiveness of treatment. A person’s systolic blood pressure reading can change by an average of 12 mmHg between consecutive visits, which is significant and could lead to misinterpretation of the effectiveness of medication dosage adjustments.
Why home blood pressure monitoring works so well
Home blood pressure monitoring offers a solution to the challenges and limitations of doctor’s office checks. When you measure your blood pressure at home, you have the ability to buy a high-quality monitor that fits your arm properly, ensuring accuracy. You can also follow the specific procedures recommended for accurate measurements, such as keeping your feet flat on the floor, your back against a sturdy chair, and your arm on a flat surface.
Home blood pressure monitoring is especially valuable for individuals with high blood pressure or at an elevated risk for heart disease. It is also useful for tracking the effectiveness of a new medication or dosage adjustment, monitoring blood pressure during pregnancy, and investigating the risk of conditions like preeclampsia.
Home monitoring allows for the collection of multiple measurements over different days, providing a continuous record of blood pressure for review by your doctor. Following an average of multiple measurements can give a more accurate representation of your blood pressure and help doctors assess the effectiveness of treatment.
Choosing a blood pressure monitor
When choosing a blood pressure monitor for home use, it is crucial to buy an accurate and validated device. The American Medical Association’s US Blood Pressure Validated Device Listing is a recommended resource for finding validated monitors. Arm monitors are generally preferred for accuracy, but for individuals with larger arm circumferences, wrist monitors can be a good alternative if positioned correctly.
Using public blood pressure kiosks is not recommended as most have not been validated by independent experts. Additionally, it may be challenging to follow the correct procedure for blood pressure measurement in a busy pharmacy setting.
Home blood pressure monitoring provides a reliable and convenient way to track your blood pressure and ensure accurate measurements. By following the recommended procedures and using validated devices, you can take control of your blood pressure management and empower your healthcare team to make informed decisions.
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