Did you have your feet on the floor, Cloud? When docs or nurses take it, you're often up on the table with your feet dangling. That can raise your pressure by 10-15 points, iirc. If it's a one-time thing, there's really not much to worry about.
This site has a list of more things that can affect the reading:
Quote:
- Not sitting quietly.
- Not sitting quietly for 3 minutes.
- Waiting too long before taking it.
- Feet not flat on floor (dangling or legs crossed).
- Back not supported.
- Use of nicotine, alcohol, or caffeine within 30 minutes prior.
- Rolled up sleeve (compresses arm).
- Clothing still on arm.
- Bladder full (urinary that is).
- Incorrect size cuff (usually too small).
- Cuff not positioned properly (edges must be aligned, 1 inch above bend of elbow).
- Incorrect arm (the right upper arm is the correct place to take BP). Not the forearm, nor the wrist, nor the finger.
- Arm not relaxed.
- Arm not supported.
- Arm not at heart level. Allowed to be straight down.
- Talking (either operator or patient).
|