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Is there an optimum time to take home readings of BP?

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jane243
jane243

When diagnosed 3 years ago [163/90], my GP said to take 2 home readings twice a day at random times and to record just the lower of the 2 readings. Taking it twice or even 3 times I could get a variation of up to 20 sys. between the first and the last reading. The second readings I would take in the evening and those were invariably lower. 

If I take the early readings after breakfast instead of before  I mostly get  really low readings, around the 110 syst. level [why?].  I want to keep these numbers as low as I can but which of the two times gives the most accurate figure?  After some months the rules changed and i was instructed to take the 2 readings as before but to do an average of them and this is what I do still.

Before I have my 6 month check up I have to do the same readings and record every one for 8 days pror to the check up then do an average of them all to show to her. Based on these figures she will presumably assess if the dosage of Losartan 50mg is the right dose.

I just can't help worrying that I get wildly variable readings, do other people get these fluctuating readings?

It would appear that as long as the average overall is fine then there is nothing to worry about, is this right?

 

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  • jane243
    jane243

    Posted

    Thank you all for your interesting replies. I've been doing this for 3 years now and when I recently realised the difference between taking a reading before and after breakfast I needed to know what others thought and you have all been most helpful.

    i have to go for a 6 month check up in 3 weeks and wanted to present my dr with an accurate list of numbers yet needed to be sure I was doing it all correctly.

     

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