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Home blood pressure monitor cant get bp reading left arm!!

Posted , 4 users are following.

kbbabyb
kbbabyb

So I have been monitoring my bp at home for the past few years. I am currently on Ramipril. I have had no problems with taking my blood pressure using an automatic monitor. However the past week I cant get any readings from my left arm! I can feel a pulse when the machine works, but it does feel weaker than the right arm. The machine can get a readings in my right arm with no problems, but it just cannot get a reading in my left arm. I would normally chalk it up to user error, but this is something I am well practised in and the fact it works first time on my right arm leaves me to think the machine isnt faulty! 

Anyone else with any experience of this happening? Any advice as to what I should do? 

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • helen_07568
    helen_07568 kbbabyb

    Posted

    Might be a good idea to try and get it done at the chemist or your gp to see if its your machine,  how long are you leaving in between readings  3 mins  is the usuaal time or the machine can error good luck
  • Jonathan57679
    Jonathan57679 kbbabyb

    Posted

    Hi:  I'm not a medical professional, but looking at a circulatory system diagram, the left and right arm are supplied by separate blood supplies.  If you consistently have a problem getting any readings from your left arm, you should call your medical professional right away and get advice.  This could be a serious issue.
  • robert25274
    robert25274 kbbabyb

    Posted

    You really need to get your bp checked by a professional, it is possible to have wildly different bp in each arm and it can be indicitave of more serious problems.
  • Lilylady
    Lilylady kbbabyb

    Posted

    Hi:  I regularly get my monitor calibrated with the one at my GP's hypertension clinic, gives me some peace of mind
  • kbbabyb
    kbbabyb

    Posted

    Thanks for all the comments and help! 

    Feeling pretty silly really!! The difficulties with getting the reading in the left arm is that there was a hole where the cuff connects to the tube. When taking the readings with the right arm it was angled in such a way as to plug the hole!!

    Was just about to ring up the GPs and demand an appointment too.....lol!! 

    • Jonathan57679
      Jonathan57679 kbbabyb

      Posted

      Thanks for letting us know.  That is good to hear.  I'm glad you are okay.  That is the important thing.  Regards,
  • Leighites
    Leighites kbbabyb

    Posted

    What a relief for you. Quite amusing in hindsight! Thank you for letting us know!
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