Blood pressure issues?
Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire whether a home electronic blood pressure monitor (upper arm type) needs to be calibrated.
I have not calibrated my blood pressure monitor since I bought it about 4 years ago, but each time I measure at the clinic, it tends to be about 20/10 mmHg lower.
When I first purchased the monitor, I compared it at the clinic, and the readings were similar, so over the years, I assumed that the clinic's blood pressure readings were influenced by white coat syndrome (the doctor who examined me also believes this).
The readings I take at home now are actually quite similar to those I recorded in the past.
Therefore, I am wondering if I need to send it back for calibration.
I previously called the store responsible for calibration, and they mentioned that calibration is not really necessary, which has left me quite confused.
Thank you, Doctor.
Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/24
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: If the blood pressure readings from your home monitor have been consistent over the past four years, there may not be a need to have it calibrated at a store.
Additionally, if you tend to be a more anxious person, the higher blood pressure readings during your medical visits could likely be due to white coat hypertension.
If you are still concerned, you can bring your home blood pressure monitor to your appointment and measure your blood pressure with both your home device and the clinic's device at the same location and around the same time.
By comparing the readings, if they differ by about 20/10 mmHg, then calibration may be necessary.
Lastly, there may be some differences in readings between arm and wrist blood pressure monitors, with arm monitors generally being more accurate; therefore, it is advisable to compare devices that use the same measurement method.
Reply Date: 2022/06/24
More Info
When it comes to home blood pressure monitors, calibration is an important consideration for ensuring accurate readings. Generally, it is recommended that home blood pressure monitors, especially upper-arm models, be calibrated periodically to maintain their accuracy. However, the frequency and necessity of calibration can depend on several factors, including the type of monitor, how often it is used, and whether it has been subjected to any physical damage.
In your case, since you have been using your blood pressure monitor for about four years without calibration, it is understandable to have concerns about its accuracy, especially if you notice a consistent discrepancy of about 20/10 mmHg compared to readings taken at a clinic. This difference could be attributed to several factors, including the phenomenon known as "white coat syndrome," where patients experience elevated blood pressure readings in a clinical setting due to anxiety or stress.
To determine whether your home monitor is still providing accurate readings, consider the following steps:
1. Comparison with Clinical Readings: Bring your home blood pressure monitor to your next doctor's appointment. Measure your blood pressure with both your home device and the clinic's monitor at the same time. This side-by-side comparison can help you assess the accuracy of your home monitor. If the readings are consistently off by the same margin (e.g., 20/10 mmHg), it may indicate that your home monitor is not calibrated correctly.
2. Manufacturer's Recommendations: Check the user manual or the manufacturer's website for specific recommendations regarding calibration. Some devices may have built-in self-check features or may not require calibration as frequently as others.
3. Signs of Inaccuracy: If you notice significant fluctuations in your readings or if the monitor has been dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures, it may be time to consider calibration or replacement.
4. Regular Monitoring: If your home monitor consistently provides readings that align with your clinic's measurements, you may not need to calibrate it frequently. However, if you notice any changes in its performance or if you have concerns about its accuracy, it is advisable to seek calibration.
5. Consulting Professionals: If you are still uncertain, consider consulting with a healthcare professional or the store where you purchased the monitor. They can provide guidance on whether calibration is necessary based on your specific situation.
In summary, while it may not be strictly necessary to calibrate your home blood pressure monitor every year, doing so can help ensure that you are getting accurate readings. If you have any doubts about the accuracy of your device, especially given the discrepancies you've observed, it is wise to take the steps outlined above to verify its performance. Regular monitoring and awareness of your blood pressure readings are crucial for managing your health effectively.
Similar Q&A
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings: Home vs. Hospital Accuracy
I would like to ask about the blood pressure readings I obtained at the hospital using an electronic blood pressure monitor, which were consistently high, around 130/80. Once, a doctor measured it with a mercury sphygmomanometer, and it was approximately 120/70. However, at home,...
Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, the blood pressure readings you provided are all normal, so there is no need to worry about hypertension. Blood pressure measured in a hospital or clinic is generally higher than that measured at home, which is commonly referred to as "white coat syndrome." There...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Readings: Home vs. Hospital Accuracy
Choosing the Most Accurate Digital Blood Pressure Monitor and Calibration Tips
Which brand of electronic blood pressure monitor is more accurate, and how can I calibrate it once a year? Please provide some guidance.
Dr. Yang Jun reply Internal Medicine
Hello Jenny: There are many types of electronic blood pressure monitors, and their accuracy should be relatively similar. However, the principles for choosing a blood pressure monitor are: 1. Arm-cuff monitors are more accurate (wrist or finger monitors are not recommended). 2. I...[Read More] Choosing the Most Accurate Digital Blood Pressure Monitor and Calibration Tips
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings: Key Questions Answered by Dr. Lin
Dear Dr. Lin, Thank you very much for your response to my personal inquiry in the article “#181218 Blood Pressure Inquiry Consultation.” I have greatly benefited from your insights. I have a few more questions I would like to ask: Q1. Although I was wearing a thin jacket while ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Because the cuff of a tunnel-type blood pressure monitor has a fixed aperture, unlike the adjustable cuffs of arm-type monitors that can accommodate different arm widths, if your arm is thicker than average or if you are wearing clothing, blood pressure detection can ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Readings: Key Questions Answered by Dr. Lin
Understanding 24-Hour Blood Pressure Monitoring: Accuracy and Reliability
I saw an article in an online Q&A about measuring blood pressure, which mentioned a device that can measure blood pressure continuously for 24 hours. I would like to ask, if the subject is not in a static position, wouldn't the measurements be inaccurate? I want to under...
Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine
What you are referring to is the "ambulatory blood pressure monitor." It is primarily used to assess the blood pressure status of non-hospitalized patients. It measures both dynamic and static blood pressure, with the interpretation mainly determined by the physician. G...[Read More] Understanding 24-Hour Blood Pressure Monitoring: Accuracy and Reliability
Related FAQ
(Family Medicine)
High Blood Pressure(Internal Medicine)
Health Check-Up(Family Medicine)
Heart Rate(Family Medicine)
Hypertension Medication(Cardiology)
Blood Pressure(Neurology)
Dizziness(Family Medicine)
Weight(Family Medicine)
Health Check-Up Report(Cardiology)
Waist(Family Medicine)