High BP - Red or blue cuff
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Blood pressure can be misread if the BP cuff is too large or too small, which is why we have different sizes available to us. They have the arm diameter they should be used on written on them. (I’m a nurse)
I’ve only had the red one put on me once which I thought was odd because isn’t it for larger arms? Surely the cuff then just doesn’t fit correctly? I have had them use manual monitors and try different arms to get a lower reading which then leaves you wondering which is the actual reading. I would definitely recommend monitoring it at home when you’re relaxed. My blood pressure is so much higher when taken at hospital or with the midwife even though I’m medicated.
Yeh if you're a relatively slim person using a red cuff may give you a lower reading. I had this at my last appointment and was side eyeing the machine but decided id just leave it as ive not had concerns over my blood pressure if anything its been on the low side. I'd just ask them to use a blue one next time.
I think I need to get better at advocating for myself. I'm in today so will ask for the blue cuff
Just been in hospital for 4 days with sudden onset of high blood pressure. Had it checked every four hours. If I had any random spike (like majorly high) it was from the blue cuff. They checked again with the red and it was more in line with other readings. I had a mix of blue and red I thought it was odd and questioned the accuracy but I guess they know whether are doing?!