Second Time My BP Reading is lower – Why is it the case?

You must have heard the second BP Measurement reading brings good news. Well, this proverb would be right if you are suffering from stage 2 hypertension(high blood pressure). 

Research has shown that patients who initially had high blood pressure readings had a mean drop of at least 8 mm Hg in systolic high blood pressure when they took the second measurement — and it has also been observed that the higher the initial systolic (high) blood pressure, the greater the difference.

Conclusively, the second measurement brought the hypertension control rate up from 61% to 73% – a huge 12% improvement bringing the systolic (high) pressure reading down to normal levels.

The change in systolic blood pressure readings in the second measurement could be attributed to regression to the mean and other factors as well, but the observed decrease remains clinically important as it would help you get the right treatment & medication.

So, We can conclusively say that we cannot neglect taking two consecutive Blood Pressure readings if our systolic (high) blood pressure reading is higher than 130 in the first measurement.

The second measurement will conclusively rule out any error that was there in the first reading and would help us take the right course of action.

How does beatXP BP Monitor ensure the highest accuracy standards?

beatXP BP Monitor takes an average of 3 readings before displaying the final measurements on the display and it has an arm movement indication feature to detect errors that have occurred due to arm movement while measuring the Blood Pressure.

Henceforth, its smart technology makes sure that every time you measure your BP, the most accurate readings are displayed with the accuracy of ±3mmHg.

How to evaluate my BP Readings?

Systolic Reading ( High) in mmHg	And / OR	Diastolic Reading ( Low) in mmHg	Type of Condition	Actionable Step
Below 120	and	Below 80	Normal BP	Maintain a healthy lifestyle
120-129	and	Below 80	Elevated BP	Adopt a more healthier lifestyle
130-139	or	80-89	Stage 1 BP (HyperTension)	Adopt a healthy lifestyle. Talk to the doctor for the right treatment
140 or higher	or	90 or higher	Stage 2 BP (HyperTension)	Adopt a healthy lifestyle. Talk to the doctor for the right treatment

More About HyperTension

Hypertension is a blood pressure measurement in which our systolic (upper) blood pressure is at or above 130, and our diastolic (lower) blood pressure is at or above 80 (or 130/80). High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Over time, if untreated, it can cause health conditions, such as heart disease and stroke. Eating a healthier diet with less salt, exercising regularly, and taking medication can help lower blood pressure.

Causes of Hypertension

There are two types of High blood pressure (HyperTension) :

1.Primary (essential) Hypertension

For most people, there’s no certain cause of systolic (high blood pressure). This type of high blood pressure, also called primary (essential) hypertension, tends to develop gradually over many years.

In such a scenario make sure that you monitor you measure Blood pressure regularly and adopt & maintain a healthier lifestyle.

2. Secondary Hypertension
Some people have high blood pressure (systolic) due to an underlying condition. This type of high blood pressure, also called secondary hypertension, tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than does primary (essential) hypertension.

Various medications and conditions can also lead to secondary hypertension, including:

• Thyroid Problems
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Certain defects you’re born with (congenital) in blood vessels
• Certain medications, such as birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers, and some prescription drugs
• Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines
• Adrenal Gland Tumors
• Kidney Disease

Some Risk factors that could lead to High Blood Pressure

Did you know that our lifestyle & eating habits do affect our Blood Pressure Readings? High blood pressure has many risk factors, including:

• Age
• Race
• Family History
• Being Overweight or Obese
• Not being physically active
• Using Tobacco
• Too much salt (sodium) in your diet
• Too much potassium in your diet
• Stress
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Certain chronic conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes & sleep apnea

The Bottom Line

Human health is a direct reflection of our lifestyle, age, and mental well-being. Regular check-ups of all body vitals ensure that we are living a healthy lifestyle and also keep a check on our drinking & eating habits.

Among all the body vitals, regular monitoring of blood pressure and pulse rate is very important as it ensures a healthy heart which is the key to long life! But make sure that you always take two consecutive Blood pressure readings with a small interval between two readings.

It would rule out any possibility of error and would also make sure that people with hypertension conditions will get the most accurate results.