Blood pressure

[Rachael41]

I have been working out heavily for about the last 10 months.  I went to the grocery store and checked my blood pressure on a machine.  It was 116 over 55.  Should I be concerned about the Diastolic pressure?

[kenkeith]

Thanks for your feedback, and it is good to hear you have your distress reduced.

[Rachael41]

Thanks- I have an appointment soon.  Thanks for making me not so worried!-  Rachael

[kenkeith]

QUOTE:"Perhaps get a reading from your doctor and then see what the public one states. The difference will give you some idea of its accuracy".

Blood pressure changes and varies throughtr the day and night,  and the public unit can't be compared to a doctor's visit time wise unless you are suggesting the doctor or nurse take their stethascope to the public unit.  

Racheal, if you purchase a good blood pressure unit, you can take that unit with you to the doctor's office and compare.  Public bp units are not reliable, the cuffs may be stressed and they are rarely calibrated if ever.  

[ed34]

The problem with the electronic devices is that the sensor has to be directly over an artery in your arm. If it isn't then the reading will be wrong. It also depends how often the unit is checked for calibration. If you want an accurate reading, you should ask your doctor to use a stethascope. They can clearly hear when the blood flow is stopped and when it starts to flow again when they pump up the cuff. Perhaps get a reading from your doctor and then see what the public one states. The difference will give you some idea of its accuracy.

[kenkeith]

There is a high probability the reading is not accurate from a public unit.  Diastolic BP levels of about 55-60 mm Hg deserve more careful monitoring and more aggressive treatment of other cardiovascular risk factors. If 55-60 is a consistently low reading or very frequent, you may want to get an evaluation.