Newbie Chris
15-05-16, 19:45
Firstly can I say that if I have posted this in the wrong forum then I would appreciate it if you could move it.
Now then, Blood Pressure!!! If you have read my introduction post then you will have noticed that I have a bit of an unhealthy obsession with my blood pressure. I ended up taking myself to A and E after a remarkably high spike a couple of weeks ago and despite being reassured all was well I have this awful addiction to taking it and of course the more anxious you are the higher it will be!!
Here is the thing though. The thing that I can't find the answer to online and the thing that has me baffled and will talk it over with my GP the next time I see him.
I have performed an experiment or two and I can categorically say that blood pressure (or mine at least) can be massively swayed purely by arm position.
I was taking mine with my left arm stuck out in front of me unsupported, but in my view that was at heart level. It was ok nothing to be worried about, generally in the 120's/80's. I then discussed it with my pharmacist who told me that I was doing it wrong and the arm should be relaxed and supported and I would get lower readings. So I tried at home sitting at the table, back supported , arm on a cushion. Suddenly it was 140/100. Tried it again and it was fluctuating 120's 130's/90's. I was slightly concerned. So I took it in the usual arm straight out position. 120/83 or something similar.
I then took it again with two cushions. Pretty normal. Returned to one cushion and it was higher again. Arm bent it was higher, arm straight it was lower. Now I know that it is meant to be at "heart level" but it may sound a stupid thing to say but what is heart level? The table in my pharmacists was a great deal higher than most peoples dining room table at home and as I have so far proved (with me at least) there can obviously be at least a 10 point difference on whether your arm is slightly higher or slightly lower than heart level.
Then of course at hospital they take BP readings with the patient lying down. In the Doctors surgery your arm maybe resting on an uncomfortable wooden arm of the chair. A whole host of inconsistencies that obviously can affect blood pressure,. I am now wondering which one is right, a 140/95 odd with one cushion or a 120/82 with two cushions?!?!?!!?
If I wasn't anxious before I am now!!!!
Now then, Blood Pressure!!! If you have read my introduction post then you will have noticed that I have a bit of an unhealthy obsession with my blood pressure. I ended up taking myself to A and E after a remarkably high spike a couple of weeks ago and despite being reassured all was well I have this awful addiction to taking it and of course the more anxious you are the higher it will be!!
Here is the thing though. The thing that I can't find the answer to online and the thing that has me baffled and will talk it over with my GP the next time I see him.
I have performed an experiment or two and I can categorically say that blood pressure (or mine at least) can be massively swayed purely by arm position.
I was taking mine with my left arm stuck out in front of me unsupported, but in my view that was at heart level. It was ok nothing to be worried about, generally in the 120's/80's. I then discussed it with my pharmacist who told me that I was doing it wrong and the arm should be relaxed and supported and I would get lower readings. So I tried at home sitting at the table, back supported , arm on a cushion. Suddenly it was 140/100. Tried it again and it was fluctuating 120's 130's/90's. I was slightly concerned. So I took it in the usual arm straight out position. 120/83 or something similar.
I then took it again with two cushions. Pretty normal. Returned to one cushion and it was higher again. Arm bent it was higher, arm straight it was lower. Now I know that it is meant to be at "heart level" but it may sound a stupid thing to say but what is heart level? The table in my pharmacists was a great deal higher than most peoples dining room table at home and as I have so far proved (with me at least) there can obviously be at least a 10 point difference on whether your arm is slightly higher or slightly lower than heart level.
Then of course at hospital they take BP readings with the patient lying down. In the Doctors surgery your arm maybe resting on an uncomfortable wooden arm of the chair. A whole host of inconsistencies that obviously can affect blood pressure,. I am now wondering which one is right, a 140/95 odd with one cushion or a 120/82 with two cushions?!?!?!!?
If I wasn't anxious before I am now!!!!