Do Blood Pressure Readers Need Calibrating

[OakLeaf]

One thing to remember is that in many people, BP reads MUCH higher if the arm is hanging down. Family practice guidelines state that the arm should be supported so that the vein in the elbow is at heart level (just below the armpit), but I've actually had a nurse argue with me and refuse to take my BP that way because it was uncomfortable for her.

Also, a lot of people have "white coat syndrome," i.e. their BP is high at the doctor's office and nowhere else. A good home monitor isn't that expensive, and it's probably a good investment for anyone with questions. There was recently something that found that even animals get elevated blood pressure at the vet's, which isn't really surprising.

Still, hypertension in athletes is pretty common. We had a thread about this a few months back. (eta: here - the two links I posted specifically about hypertension in athletes I thought were very instructive) I'm still teetering about whether mine is really high enough to be treated.