Originally Posted by
londonmet
Hello all,
I have used the search function to find out information but nothing has appeared...
When you or your GP/AME take your BP they want it to be taken when your rested. My question is how long is "normal" to rest before you take a measurement. Few mins OK?
Thanks,
L Met
About ten minutes is the norm. If you measure it yourself at home, try and do it at the same time every day, and as mentioned above get your 'home machine calibrated' when you next go to your doctor. Take a few readings, and providing that none of them differ by 10% or more, use the lowest.
Also bear in mind that when BP is taken by your doctor, many people will suffer from "white coat syndrome" and will show a higher than normal reading. Hence the reason for checking it yourself at home.
I keep a daily record on a spreadsheet and show this to the doc.