Measuring Blood Pressure

Question:

Whenever I take a blood pressure reading with a digital electronic meter, it gives a very high reading (approx 160/95). However, when a traditional mercury meter is used, it shows a lower reading (130/80). I have taken the readings at several different places and they are consistent. Which method of measuring blood pressure is more accurate?

Answer:

Mercury is the gold standard. If your blood pressure is being taken correctly, then your digital meter may be off -- and need adjustment. You may also have a large arm that is too big for the cuff being used with your digital meter. My advice is to take your digital meter to the doctor, and let him or her measure your blood pressure with both a mercury and a digital meter at the same time.

Have a question? Ask our high blood pressure community by creating a SharePost on the site. We regret that, due to the volume of queries, our experts cannot respond to all of them, but some will be selected and answered here; someone from the community also may know where to go for an answer.

Source: from the Harvard Health Publications Family Health Guide, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved.

Used with permission of StayWell.

Use of this content is subject to specified Terms and Conditions and a Medical Disclaimer.