Blood pressure readings can be misleading if they are taken under the wrong conditions. A single high or low number does not always reflect your usual blood pressure.
5 situations when a blood pressure reading may be inaccurate
- Right after exercise
- Physical activity temporarily raises blood pressure. Wait until your body has cooled down and you have rested.
- When you are stressed, anxious, or in a hurry
- Stress hormones can increase blood pressure. This is one reason some people have higher readings in a clinic (“white coat hypertension”).
- After caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol
- Coffee, energy drinks, smoking, and some alcoholic drinks can affect readings for a period of time.
- With a full bladder
- Needing to urinate can temporarily raise blood pressure.
- Using poor measurement technique
- Common mistakes include:
- Sitting with legs crossed
- Talking during the measurement
- Having your arm unsupported
- Using the wrong cuff size
- Measuring immediately after walking around
- Common mistakes include:
