Comments on: How high is high blood pressure?

By: School nurse

School nurse — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:13:59 +0000

That sounds more border-line to me. I wouldn’t call that high. High bloodpressure is consistently over 140/90. You have to be careful with those machines at the stores. If you read the directions they tell you to be very still and quiet. You need to breath normally. Those machines will measure high if you are talking, lauging, coughing, clearing your throat, or moving. If you took the pressure over a shirt sleeve the reading will be altered also. Also, those machines must be calibrated or checked regularly and they usually are not. They are really sensitive. I would go back and take care to be very still and very quiet and breath normally–see if you get a better reading. It is good to take it regularly so you will know what your baseline or usual blood pressure is. It sounds like you are living a healthy lifestyle.
References :

By: debbie

debbie — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:06:59 +0000

First of all, the BP machines at stores are not always that accurate because they are not calibrated that much. You can go to your local fire department and they will do a manual blood pressure check for you. The classic text book blood pressure is 120/80. High blood pressure starts at 140/90. I don't think you have anything to worry about, stress, caffeine, pain, & illness can make your BP go up. I would get a manual blood pressure and not use the machines in the stores any more.
References :

By: Amanda

Amanda — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:28:59 +0000

That's not really high, I wouldn't worry about it, check it again in a week and see how it is. Caffeine can make it higher as can stress.
References :