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Blood pressure

Why is my blood pressure different each time I check it?

Blood pressure naturally varies through the day and with activity, stress, posture and technique, so single readings differ. Doctors look at the average over time.

Esta información es solo orientativa de carácter general y no constituye un consejo médico. Consulta siempre a un profesional sanitario cualificado para cualquier asunto médico personal. En caso de emergencia, llama al número de emergencias de tu zona.

Blood pressure is not a fixed number; it rises and falls constantly with your heartbeat, breathing, activity, emotions, time of day, temperature and even talking or a full bladder. It is usually lower during sleep and higher in the morning and during stress or exercise. So it is completely normal for readings minutes apart to differ.

Measurement technique also matters. Wrong cuff size, an unsupported arm, crossed legs, talking, or not resting first can all change the result. This is why a diagnosis is based on the average of multiple readings on different occasions, not a single check.

To get reliable readings, sit quietly for five minutes, keep your arm supported at heart level, feet flat, and take two or three readings a minute apart. If your readings swing very widely or are often high, bring your log to a doctor or pharmacist who can check your monitor and technique.

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