Accuracy of in store blood pressure machines?

[derekisdman]

Not sure if this should go in here (maybe open chat) but I figure diet has to do with blood pressure so why not.

You know those blood pressure machines they have in stores where you put your arm in the socket thing and press the button? I was wondering how accurate these are. I'm only 19 and according to the machine I have high blood pressure. I believe it said my systolic pressure was high and my dialostic pressure was normal.

 

[JerseyDevil]

I believe they are reasonably accurate. Kind of like a weight scale, if you use the same one each time, even if it's not accurate, it will at least tell you if your blood pressure or weight is going up, down or sideways.

When you take your blood pressure make sure you have sat down for at least a few minutes. Chances are if you take the BP a few times, you'll see it come down each time. If it doesn't, and it still shows high, then consult a physician.

 

[atherjen]

Ive always wondered how accurate they are.
mine has always been incredibly low.
96/51, give or take a couple sometimes.

 

[nikegurl]

mine is always a little high on those machines but it's always below normal low when taken by a doctor.

 

[Dale Mabry]

I would imagine that eventually they lose some of their accuracy since I am sure they are not calibrated all that often.