6
Why Do My Readings Vary?
Blood pressure is a body parameter that is subject to
normal variations throughout the day. A single reading that
is different from yours or your doctor’s readings are not
necessarily inaccurate. The average of several readings,
taken under similar conditions, using the same arm is
preferred for accurate blood pressure readings.
Why Are My Readings Different Than Those Taken at My
Doctor’s Office?
Many experience a phenomenon called “White Coat
Hypertension” when measured by a doctor. White Coat
Hypertension refers to blood pressure that rises above its
usual level when measured in a clinical setting, such as a
doctor’s office.
BLOOD PRESSURE STANDARD
The table below contains defined levels for hypertension that
are publicly available from the National Heart Lung and Blood
Institute at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
(http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hbp/HBP_
WhatIs.html). Users can compare their own blood pressure
readings against these defined levels to determine if they
may be potentially at increased risk.
