Question:
Hi doctor,
I measured my blood pressure in both arms this morning before getting out of bed. My left arm was 133/82 and my right arm was 125/81. I've heard that blood pressure is usually higher in the morning. Could you please tell me what is considered a normal blood pressure reading after waking up? Thank you, doctor.
Trần Doãn Kỳ (2002)
Answer:
Dear,
In response to your question about normal blood pressure readings after waking up, here's what I can tell you:
When measuring blood pressure, especially with electronic devices, we typically see two readings: systolic blood pressure (the top number) and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number).
According to the International Society of Hypertension (ISH), hypertension is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure is 140 mmHg or higher, or diastolic blood pressure is 90 mmHg or higher, following standard diagnostic procedures. If your blood pressure is consistently below 90/60 mmHg, it is considered low. Therefore, a normal systolic blood pressure typically ranges from 90 to 140 mmHg, and a normal diastolic blood pressure ranges from 60 to 90 mmHg.
It's common for blood pressure to be higher in the morning and lower in the evening. Therefore, it's recommended to measure your blood pressure at home in the morning, right after waking up and before getting out of bed. If you're asked to monitor your blood pressure multiple times a day, choose consistent times that are easy to remember and compare. However, each measurement should be taken after resting for at least 3-5 minutes in a relaxed state, without talking during or between measurements. Avoid measuring your blood pressure after a full meal, when you're very hungry or tired, when you need to urinate, after smoking or drinking coffee, or when you're feeling stressed or angry.
Blood pressure can be measured both sitting and lying down in a comfortable position, with the cuff placed on the upper arm or wrist at the level of your heart. When sitting, lean back in a chair with your arm resting on a table or your lap; when lying down, lie flat on your back with your arm extended. It's best to take three consecutive measurements, one minute apart, and average the last two readings. Measure both arms and use the higher reading. Therefore, based on your single measurement, your blood pressure can be considered normal, but for more accurate results, it's recommended to follow the guidelines above or consult a healthcare professional.
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