@michelemaliano7860 My ex wife was like that. If she read about an illness, or heard about someone having an illness then she thought she had it. Taking her temperature and blood pressure 10 times a day and actually making herself sick. If you feel fine .... you're fine!
I enjoy both of you on YT and can use closed captioning. I rarely listen to podcasts. You two make a good team! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, referencing peer reviewed articles, and having fun on your channel!
Thank you two for taking the time out to do these short segments mixing the humor with medicine. I’ve always had more confidence in the arm cuff. My blood pressure is not bad but, I wish I had you guys, either one😁 Please keep up the good work and the occasional guest appearance of other specialty docs, much appreciated.
I have a wrist cuff, and took my measurements over about a three-week span at approximately the same time every evening. It was fairly consistent at about 110/70 with heart rate of 76. I was satisfied with that info, even if not totally accurate. Not bad for a 65 yo woman on no meds.👍🏼
Arm. Monitored mine twice a day (2x) for a couple weeks in December. Was 137/85, I'm 66yo. Decided it was time to make some changes. Been intermittent fasting (16-18 hours a day), no snacking between meals, no processed foods, more lettuce, but nothing radical food wise. Been taking my blood pressure the past week, now average 120/80 and have lost five pounds. Oh, and added a second 20m walk a day.
We use a wrist cuff. Our cardiologist said even if reading may differ from he gets in his office, the wrist cuff gives a good baseline and info to work with. At least we are keeping track of
Hi guys from France - absolutely love your work - prefer vids to podcasts - I’m 68 and my kids and friends love your stuff too. I’m a veteran of two stent operations and a carotid endarterectomy with ongoing medication for hypertension - I use a cuff about every three months prior to doctor and cardiologist visits - my cuff gets calibrated occasionally with my doctors old fashioned method and seems pretty accurate. When I do it, I do it as advised, three consecutive times morning and the same before bed on 3 consecutive days thus a total of 18 data points. As an aside I find you need to sit quietly for a minimum of 5-10 mins for consistent results - keep up the good work
There are several reasons for high bp readings in a doctors office. 1. They march you back and make you get on a scale. 2. Then they march to a room where they sit you down and strap you up. All the while trying to be funny and making little jokes with the effort to get you to laugh. 3. They push the button and the cuff inflates to an extremely high level to point where my eyes cross. 4. And then they say…..huh, it’s a little high. YA THINK? Like you said, the size of the cuff makes a big difference. If you have a big arm and they use a normal cuff it will give you a higher reading. The old school method of bp taking was only as accurate as the hearing of the person taking it. Since you basically had to listen for the sound of the heartbeat. Poor hearing and you were screwed. I’m guessing that there are way too many people on meds because of false readings due to practitioners carelessness. Not a good thing.
They took my arm reading and every time it's high in the hospital. I didn't realize arm readings weren't supposed to make your arm feel like it would explode or leave red blood vessel spots on the arm after. Thank you for the informative video and sharing.
Thank you both. I use an arm cuff, but only recorded twice a day. Testing three times a day makes so much sense. I always thought once or twice was enough depending on what you do prior to checking your pressure. This is great learnings. I know YT can be a lot of work, but I do enjoy them better since I'm of your targeted age group.
Very relatable episode. Thanks! I have both the arm cuff and wrist cuff. I just measured with both, 4 times each. The wrist is higher for me by an average of about 7 sys and 2 dia. I've recorded readings over the last couple of years, and the wrist tends to be higher most of the time. I find it can vary quite a bit within the same sitting. I have to control my thoughts when I do it, since certain thoughts tend to elevate my pressure. The calmer I can make myself the better it is. I do get the white coat syndrome when at the doctor's office, where they get a significantly higher pressure. And I tell them, well at home and I'm calm, it's much better 🙂.
My wrist cuff wa reading 127/78 in parking lot...then the arm cuff going in for a research study read 169/101 !!...blew my mind! Between white coat syndrome and an unreliable wrist cuff, im about to stroke out! I'm going to buy an arm cuff now to eliminate the wrist variable. I do research studies and get disqualified because out of range.
I use the wrist cuff…it’s easy to use…so I’m more apt to use it when I need to. I’m not always able to secure the arm band. I take several measurements so I know where my BP is at. An exact number isn’t as important as knowing you’re within the normal BP parameters. Thanks Docs.
you guys are great and go for the podcast I would enjoy it! Your guests are always interesting as well. I am a male over 65 and you answer a lot of things on my mind. Great stuff!!
I own both types and carry the wrist one in my bag for trips. It’s as simple as like putting on or off a watch, no need to take off long sleeves. My family doctor didn’t like it but ‘calibration’ in his office proofed it’s accuracy, as long as used properly. The doctor preferred arm one has been collecting dust somewhere in the basement.
Docs you are great! Thank you so much for doing this! It makes so much more sense when you give instructions on how to take blood pressure, I understand it more now! Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedules to teach us. Bless you!
One of you needs to see a Dr. for that high BP. I use the arm one and make sure I don't need to go to the bathroom. Every time that I have tested and was holding in my (you know what) it always goes up 15-20 points. Thank you for the great videos.
Yes, I would love to see and listen to your podcasts. The format from today is more improved than having you two standing and talking to another doctor. You come across more relaxed and less awkward than when you are standing.
I use a wrist cuff at home, and I do bend my arm and have it at the height of my heart. I do it in the morning before coffee, and in the evening. I seem to be getting fairly confident results.
Love all your videos. Not sure if I would enjoy podcasts more but I imagine it would depend on the content. I’m hoping you’ll add a vitamin/supplement video and not just individual vitamins, looking for guidance on daily requirements for older female populations trying to maintain a healthy immune system. The amount of information online is overwhelming, hoping you can streamline it! Thank you both, you are fabulous together!
I would absolutely enjoy your podcast, particularly when the topic warrants additional information and perspective as some of them do. However, I'm mindful of your time constraints, and always appreciative of the invaluable work you do.
I too was told I had white coat sydrome. When going to a my pcp, dentist, or any phyisican office. But at home it is 119/78. I have two blood pressure cuff like the ones shown on your program. I take my b/p sheet everytime I go to any MD office. My Cardiologist is the one that called this out, reason my pcp wanted to put me on high blood pressure medication due to the high b/p in her office. I went immediately to a Cardiologist to get this straight out. B/P can be miss leading. Scary! Great program!
We have both the wrist and arm BP monitors. We keep track of our BP at home and our doctor wanted us to bring them in to check them. We had our BP checked with the automatic arm cuff at the office, then the old-fashioned way with a stethoscope. It was an N=3 experiment, with my wife, the nurse, and me. All four monitors were within 2 points of each other. That's 12 BP measurements all were very close to each other. Our doctor said to keep using our monitors at home. He thought for sure the home monitors would be off.
Having a podcast would be fantastic. Talk about everything 101 and then have a weekly Q&A and monthly FAQ. 30 min each since each commute goes for around 30min. Thank you. Great idea.
I have an arm cuff unit. When I bought it I took it to my doctors office with me. I had them use their fancy one and then mine. Of course without telling me what the numbers were. Turned out my unit was 7 points off from the fancy one at the doctors office. Meaning I had to add the 7 to mine to get the same reading. Thanks for these informative videos. I would listen to your podcast!!
I have both wrist and arm cuff. I have taken my BP at home with both -one right after the other. The readings were within a few points of each other for both systolic and diastolic pressures.
I use a wrist cuff as it's easier and absolutely I would love you to have a podcast and I would be a regular listener. Thanks docs, love your UA-cam videos, so informative.
Thoroughly enjoyed all of your videos! I have both devices at home and prefer the wrist cuff just out of convenience. The wrist cuff was about 60% of the cost of the arm cuff.
Interesting topic today, as I've been doing a study of my own for three years as of the first of January. Understand that I'm doing this out of curiosity not based on a heart issue. Past blood pressure issue for some time though. How I do it daily, I take the readings four times a day. The first thing when I wake up, two hours after the first reading, mid afternoon and before I go to bed. I have three of the arm type cuffs. Once a month I test them against each other. When taking the readings, I take eight readings. I toss the first two as they are higher than the rest. I then average the next six. These six are usual with in a couple points of each other. My thoughts my blood pressure is what it is, so should be repeatable. If I have an out of character number I drop the high and a low and average the remaining four. I have these records for three years as I said and can produce a weekly, monthly and yearly average. I also document any daily activity which may affect the results. The first reading is always the highest of the day. The second two hours after is always the lowest. Mid afternoon is up a little over the two hour reading and the bedtime reading is usually around the two hour reading. Usually at my Doctors office the readings are higher than relaxed at home. I've taken my equipment to my Doctors office and while there mine are near his arm cuff. One thing I question is the nurse always used the first reading and that is the reading my Doctor medicates by when needed. When that isn't an accurate reflection of my real daily blood pressure. I suspect that is the case in the vast majority of patients. What is your opinion?
Definitely would like a podcast!! Use a wrist blood pressure monitor at home. Have two arm monitor and the cuffs for home use have hard plastic, which Bruises my arms badly and the cuff is too long reaching the armpit and digs in to the sensitive skin. Thank you! 👍
I use a wrist cuff. I find that eating chocolate or drinking wine raises my blood pressure. Cardio exercise over several days consistently reduces both my blood pressure and my resting heart rate. Thanks for all your great videos and advice.
I am a nurse and I usually get a manual cuff that you can pump up yourself. Where I work we have either ones like you two used., plus “nurse on a stick”, They are ok until someone drops them! The reliability of them goes down.
I use the arm cuff but it hurts so much towards the end of its expanding that I actually cry out in pain. I actually dread using it. The reason I'm checking my BP is because I recently had teeth implants (left upper side) and during the procedure (I was sedated) I was told my BP was "a bit high". I'm going to get a wrist cuff as the pain at the end of the check when using the arm cuff is literally killing me!!!!! I'd love to hear your comments on my problem......
Well, I have both an arm cuff and a wrist cuff. I compared readings at home and then discussed this with my doctor and brought the wrist cuff in to see comparative values to the professional arm cuff he uses. We concurred that the wrist cuff was well within the values shown on his arm cuff unit. So…. Calibration confirmed and since I would be more prone to take readings with the wrist cuff due to ease of use…. (also I keep a record of BP readings and oxygen levels from my finger clamp unit on an excel spreadsheet) we both agreed it makes sense to use the wrist cuff at home. It’s nice to track the readings and also calc monthly avg…. Yeah, a touch of OCD here, but that’s the way I function.😅
I have also heard that the new BP for elderly people is 103 over 90 can you confirm that? thank you for your awesome videos , watching them all the time.
I just bought a wrist cuff before this and it is consistent….its slightly higher than my oncologist but still good! My aromatase inhibitors increased my BP but it’s now back to normal since going back on Tamoxifen!
Hello, I started using the cuff and I do have the arm cuff, they both seem to read the same for me, I do suffer from high blood pressure and I am on medication which my doctor prescribed a new medication in hopes that it will lower my blood pressure. Thank you both for sharing this important information
I measure mine with wrist one. A nurse came and did it with the arm one. Her reading was extremely high. I took mine to the doctor and it was within 5 points of hers.
Used both..wrist is nice during travel. I default to the cuff and had mine tested by my Doc to assure accurate. That was amusing, dueling BP monitor's. Look forward to podcasts from you two. Most I subscribe too, film on YT and then share on Spotify. Take care
Sigh! My blood pressure was 180/91 They told me to eat less salt and I had 2 cups of coffee before. This is the highest I have ever had. The doctors told me my blood pressure would go up after Brian Aneurism surgery.....before my blood pressure was low.
I really get a lot out of the videos you guys make. I especially like that fact that you are Canadian so I dont have to pay for the helpful information I get from you. I have been tracking my BP since I was in my 30s (77 yo now) and have been on medication all those years. Of course I started with the ancient manometer technology years ago but switched to automated cuffs as soon as the price became reasonable. I had been using an arm cuff for a few years when I noticed that the reading my dentist got with a wrist cuff was essentially the same was what I was getting on my arm cuff device. So I bought a wrist cuff device and compared the results with my arm cuff instrument. I found no difference and have been using an wrist cuff ever since. I do think you have to be a little more careful with wrist cuff but when you do screw up you get a very high result. My wrist cuff has a led that tels me if I have the cuff at the level of my heart and that seemes to be impoortant. The bigger issue is where on your wrist you place the cuff. If you put it too close to your hand it ends up trying to compress the bones in your wrist rather that the soft tissue of your forearm. This almost always gives a higher reading. I have taken my wrist cuff to the doctor's office and compared it to the result they get and they always coorelate within a couple of mm of mercury. I see that much variation with repetitive measurements on my arm cuff at home. Thanks again for the helpful videos
Very informative and interesting. In addition to the method (wrist vs. arm), I wonder if there may be variations by brand of meter? Like other products, quality can, and often does, vary.
I would definitely listen to a podcast!!! My doctors offices use the arm cuff mostly with the automatic monitor and my primary care doc's office does it the old fashion way with arm cuff and the med assistant pumping it up and listening. The dentist office uses the wrist cuff and it's always higher. I will take your advice and try to avoid caffeine before appointments. Thanks for all of your informative & entertaining videos!!!
You won me over with the Rush, Closer to the Heart comment. Thanks I like the wrist cuff and always check it against the arm cuff when visiting the doc.
My take is to use the method which makes you the least stressed during the measurement. For me its a wrist cuff. Arm cuffs make my HR increase which leads to inaccuracy. Take a reading 3 times a day for one week to get an accurate picture of what your numbers really are.
Something to thing about… I think which way your BP is “trending” is what matters most. A wrist band is much easier, even if it’s not as accurate. Because it’s easier, I do it every day at the same time. All that data goes into Apples health app, and for example if I look at my weekly averages for the last six months, I can show how I’m trending. In my case my upper number has dropped 17.34 points over six months, and my lower has dropped 7.25 points… again on weekly averages over six months. Soooo… I know what I’m doing is working very well and I should just keep it up. When my doctor saw the results we took me off one of my BP meds. Just checking once, accurate or not, tells you very little. But if it’s easy to do, and regular you and your doctor will see what us actually happening with your body.
I tried an arm cuff first, but it’s difficult to get one on when you’re the only person in the house. I moved to a wrist cuff because my Nurse Practitioner said something was better than nothing and I’m getting decent readings sometimes a little higher than the readings I get in the her office., although this last visit, my wrist cuff reading was lower than my arm cuff reading. 😂
I took readings twice a day early in the day and then in the evening at the exact times each day. I did this for 3 weeks so that I could explain to the doctor that my blood pressure was good and normal. When I went to the doctor I took the cuff with me and before I got out of the car I was extremely calm and relaxed and I took the reading and then after I got in to the office and they took my blood, the readings were practically identical!! So that helped me to feel much better about the wrist cuff 🎉
I use an arm cuff. This cuff takes the BP 3 times and takes the average of the 3. I also sit for 5 to 10 minutes before taking the BP. I do not cross my legs and do not talk when taking the BP. I do not partake of caffeine.
Is my arm cuff going to be accurate if the cuff is too wide for my arm? I have to get a large cuff because I'm fat but I'm also small. The directions on the machine say to have the lower edge of the cuff 1/2 inch above my elbow and 1/2 inch below my armpit. There is no way I can make that happen and I've never seen a narrow cuff for purchase on line.
Hello Doctors! I use an arm cuff at home, which is consistant with the devices my doctors use. I believe that at-home readings are the most accurate, as I am more relaxed and not tense as I am in a medical office. At home, I can sit quietly for 5 minutes before the readings begin. I am also able to breathe calmly. I have never used a wrist cuff, nor have I ever used handcuffs 😂
I have HF and afib and check my blood pressure each morning before coffee. I use a arm cuff and I took my machine to my doctor's to compare with hers. Good to know that mine is accurate. I had a cheaper model that wasn't as accurate which I replaced. I wouldn't listen to a podcast. I really appreciate your UA-cam videos! Keep them coming! cheers
It's so frustrating. Mine are all over the place. Got a new wrist cuff, same brand just 2 years newer, same batteries..It's 50 lower. Arm cuff is even lower at the drs. Feels all scammy
Hello and thanks. I have three arm cuff monitors and two wrist cuff monitors. Measuring BP multiple times a day and all five are fairly consistent in their readings. The reason I such a collection is because I thought the wrist cuffs were inaccurate. Hypertensive pretty much most of my life and taking three meds. Non smoking or drinking not overweight and exercise every day.
Taking my BP daily before coffee. I have white coat syndrome and I am on bp meds so rather than increasing my meds I bring my BP calendar to my doctors appointments. I’m satisfied with the upper arm cuff.
I have the wrist cuff at home. I’ll admit I haven’t used it in a long time. My blood pressure is usually low, but one time at the Dr. ‘s it was quite low, so the doc asked me to check it once in a while, I have Parkinson’s and sometimes we parkies have low blood pressure.
I use the arm cuff at home and while sitting quiet and relaxed take three measurements to get average reading. At the Dr office the nurse pulls out a wrist cuff and starts up measurement while talking to me and asking questions so no way I can be in calm relaxed mode during measurement. Later, the Dr sees her chart entries and comments the BP is a little high. Hmmm. What's wrong with this picture ?
I do love podcast, so it is possible that I would listen. I do test blood pressure occasionally, I only have an arm cuff. I have read that you should wait 15 minutes before retesting blood pressure in the same arm.
Always been curious why we are instructed to sit certain ways before taking BP and not eating beforehand but if you have the “luxury” of an overnight stay in the hospital, they take your BP any type of way…no matter if you are lying down, feet crossed, just ate. 🤷🏽♀️
I think i read if the range is 10 points of each other is normal, but shouldnt be higher than that for more than three readings, but probs a ton of variables.
For sure the arm cuff is more accurate. Been taking mine for decades and comparing to Dr office results. My question is, since we are not at rest during much of the day, how much time does the body need at resting pressure for the vessels to be healthy? BTW, thanks for all the great information!
Truly relaxing while holding your wrist at heart level is not easy. If you have high BP, worrying about what your reading will be may raise your BP. Currently, AHA and others are saying that everybody's desirable BP should be below 120 over 80, regardless of age. There are a lot of recommendations about how and when to test your blood pressure. My previous cardiologist's nurse used a wrist BP monitor, my current one uses the manual upper arm cuff version. ( Confusing). Why do doctor's nurses always check your BP immediately after marching you into the examining room?, Usually the doc rechecks your BP (later)and gets a lower reading. Anxiety about world politics and your own and loved one's health and other problems probably affects your BP.
You guys have great blood pressure! Even during a video it is a good level! I've been about 135/87-93 even on whole food plant based. Still, I have to check from a more reliable source.
I like the wrist cuff better for comfort and convenience. My health insurance company sent me an arm cuff with app to track it but I don't use it much.
My take is...... Taking your blood pressure all the time raises your blood pressure.
@michelemaliano7860
My ex wife was like that. If she read about an illness, or heard about someone having an illness then she thought she had it.
Taking her temperature and blood pressure 10 times a day and actually making herself sick.
If you feel fine .... you're fine!
Absolutely I’d listen to podcasts your both my favourite doctors
I agree. It causes anxiety.
Thats me. Before it wasnt like that but now it sends me into a panick@GATORADDAM
A unique experience: two people in a UA-cam clip being silent for several seconds and still make a lot of sense!
I enjoy both of you on YT and can use closed captioning. I rarely listen to podcasts.
You two make a good team!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge, referencing peer reviewed articles, and having fun on your channel!
Nice nails Doc! Go for the podcast. Love the stuff you present
Thank you two for taking the time out to do these short segments mixing the humor with medicine. I’ve always had more confidence in the arm cuff. My blood pressure is not bad but, I wish I had you guys, either one😁
Please keep up the good work and the occasional guest appearance of other specialty docs, much appreciated.
It is true that an arm bp monitor will be a little better than a wrist or a fingernail one.😅😅
I have a wrist cuff, and took my measurements over about a three-week span at approximately the same time every evening. It was fairly consistent at about 110/70 with heart rate of 76. I was satisfied with that info, even if not totally accurate. Not bad for a 65 yo woman on no meds.👍🏼
I bought a wrist cuff for traveling. Yes, following instructions are important.
Thanks for the video.
Arm. Monitored mine twice a day (2x) for a couple weeks in December. Was 137/85, I'm 66yo. Decided it was time to make some changes. Been intermittent fasting (16-18 hours a day), no snacking between meals, no processed foods, more lettuce, but nothing radical food wise. Been taking my blood pressure the past week, now average 120/80 and have lost five pounds. Oh, and added a second 20m walk a day.
That’s great!
We use a wrist cuff. Our cardiologist said even if reading may differ from he gets in his office, the wrist cuff gives a good baseline and info to work with. At least we are keeping track of
Hi guys from France - absolutely love your work - prefer vids to podcasts - I’m 68 and my kids and friends love your stuff too. I’m a veteran of two stent operations and a carotid endarterectomy with ongoing medication for hypertension - I use a cuff about every three months prior to doctor and cardiologist visits - my cuff gets calibrated occasionally with my doctors old fashioned method and seems pretty accurate. When I do it, I do it as advised, three consecutive times morning and the same before bed on 3 consecutive days thus a total of 18 data points. As an aside I find you need to sit quietly for a minimum of 5-10 mins for consistent results - keep up the good work
Normally, you'd wait a few minutes between readings. Thank you for all the useful videos
Go with podcasts 4 sure! Really appreciate the efforts time and information you provide, keep it flowing, thanks
There are several reasons for high bp readings in a doctors office.
1. They march you back and make you get on a scale.
2. Then they march to a room where they sit you down and strap you up. All the while trying to be funny and making little jokes with the effort to get you to laugh.
3. They push the button and the cuff inflates to an extremely high level to point where my eyes cross.
4. And then they say…..huh, it’s a little high. YA THINK?
Like you said, the size of the cuff makes a big difference. If you have a big arm and they use a normal cuff it will give you a higher reading.
The old school method of bp taking was only as accurate as the hearing of the person taking it. Since you basically had to listen for the sound of the heartbeat. Poor hearing and you were screwed. I’m guessing that there are way too many people on meds because of false readings due to practitioners carelessness. Not a good thing.
Yes, we have an entire video dedicated to how to take your blood pressure properly
@@TalkingWithDocs So why didn't the guy on the left take the blood pressure using the wrist monitor correctly? Way to high above the heart.
They took my arm reading and every time it's high in the hospital. I didn't realize arm readings weren't supposed to make your arm feel like it would explode or leave red blood vessel spots on the arm after.
Thank you for the informative video and sharing.
Thank you both. I use an arm cuff, but only recorded twice a day. Testing three times a day makes so much sense. I always thought once or twice was enough depending on what you do prior to checking your pressure. This is great learnings. I know YT can be a lot of work, but I do enjoy them better since I'm of your targeted age group.
I have been watching your podcasts for over a year now. I like the visual personally.
Very relatable episode. Thanks! I have both the arm cuff and wrist cuff. I just measured with both, 4 times each. The wrist is higher for me by an average of about 7 sys and 2 dia. I've recorded readings over the last couple of years, and the wrist tends to be higher most of the time. I find it can vary quite a bit within the same sitting. I have to control my thoughts when I do it, since certain thoughts tend to elevate my pressure. The calmer I can make myself the better it is. I do get the white coat syndrome when at the doctor's office, where they get a significantly higher pressure. And I tell them, well at home and I'm calm, it's much better 🙂.
That's why it's good to measure your own blood pressure at home if you don't have to. At least you get a peace of mind.😁😁😁😁
My wrist cuff wa reading 127/78 in parking lot...then the arm cuff going in for a research study read 169/101 !!...blew my mind! Between white coat syndrome and an unreliable wrist cuff, im about to stroke out! I'm going to buy an arm cuff now to eliminate the wrist variable. I do research studies and get disqualified because out of range.
I use the wrist cuff…it’s easy to use…so I’m more apt to use it when I need to. I’m not always able to secure the arm band. I take several measurements so I know where my BP is at. An exact number isn’t as important as knowing you’re within the normal BP parameters. Thanks Docs.
I love the podcast idea. I listen to many podcasts while walking or working out at the gym everyday.
you guys are great and go for the podcast I would enjoy it! Your guests are always interesting as well. I am a male over 65 and you answer a lot of things on my mind. Great stuff!!
I own both types and carry the wrist one in my bag for trips. It’s as simple as like putting on or off a watch, no need to take off long sleeves. My family doctor didn’t like it but ‘calibration’ in his office proofed it’s accuracy, as long as used properly. The doctor preferred arm one has been collecting dust somewhere in the basement.
Docs you are great! Thank you so much for doing this! It makes so much more sense when you give instructions on how to take blood pressure, I understand it more now! Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedules to teach us. Bless you!
I use the arm cuff, take 3 readings about a minute or two apart, twice a day. I’d definitely listen to a podcast from you two!
One of you needs to see a Dr. for that high BP. I use the arm one and make sure I don't need to go to the bathroom. Every time that I have tested and was holding in my (you know what) it always goes up 15-20 points. Thank you for the great videos.
Yes, I would love to see and listen to your podcasts. The format from today is more improved than having you two standing and talking to another doctor. You come across more relaxed and less awkward than when you are standing.
I use a wrist cuff at home, and I do bend my arm and have it at the height of my heart. I do it in the morning before coffee, and in the evening. I seem to be getting fairly confident results.
Good stuff!
Love all your videos. Not sure if I would enjoy podcasts more but I imagine it would depend on the content.
I’m hoping you’ll add a vitamin/supplement video and not just individual vitamins, looking for guidance on daily requirements for older female populations trying to maintain a healthy immune system. The amount of information online is overwhelming, hoping you can streamline it! Thank you both, you are fabulous together!
Will do our best
I would absolutely enjoy your podcast, particularly when the topic warrants additional information and perspective as some of them do. However, I'm mindful of your time constraints, and always appreciative of the invaluable work you do.
I too was told I had white coat sydrome. When going to a my pcp, dentist, or any phyisican office. But at home it is 119/78. I have two blood pressure cuff like the ones shown on your program. I take my b/p sheet everytime I go to any MD office. My Cardiologist is the one that called this out, reason my pcp wanted to put me on high blood pressure medication due to the high b/p in her office. I went immediately to a Cardiologist to get this straight out. B/P can be miss leading. Scary!
Great program!
We have both the wrist and arm BP monitors. We keep track of our BP at home and our doctor wanted us to bring them in to check them. We had our BP checked with the automatic arm cuff at the office, then the old-fashioned way with a stethoscope. It was an N=3 experiment, with my wife, the nurse, and me. All four monitors were within 2 points of each other. That's 12 BP measurements all were very close to each other. Our doctor said to keep using our monitors at home. He thought for sure the home monitors would be off.
Having a podcast would be fantastic. Talk about everything 101 and then have a weekly Q&A and monthly FAQ. 30 min each since each commute goes for around 30min. Thank you. Great idea.
That's a great idea! Thanks for the positive feedback
I have an arm cuff unit. When I bought it I took it to my doctors office with me. I had them use their fancy one and then mine. Of course without telling me what the numbers were. Turned out my unit was 7 points off from the fancy one at the doctors office. Meaning I had to add the 7 to mine to get the same reading. Thanks for these informative videos. I would listen to your podcast!!
I have both wrist and arm cuff. I have taken my BP at home with both -one right after the other. The readings were within a few points of each other for both systolic and diastolic pressures.
I use a wrist cuff as it's easier and absolutely I would love you to have a podcast and I would be a regular listener. Thanks docs, love your UA-cam videos, so informative.
Noted!
Thoroughly enjoyed all of your videos! I have both devices at home and prefer the wrist cuff just out of convenience. The wrist cuff was about 60% of the cost of the arm cuff.
Closer to the heart. Great
Interesting topic today, as I've been doing a study of my own for three years as of the first of January. Understand that I'm doing this out of curiosity not based on a heart issue. Past blood pressure issue for some time though. How I do it daily, I take the readings four times a day. The first thing when I wake up, two hours after the first reading, mid afternoon and before I go to bed. I have three of the arm type cuffs. Once a month I test them against each other. When taking the readings, I take eight readings. I toss the first two as they are higher than the rest. I then average the next six. These six are usual with in a couple points of each other. My thoughts my blood pressure is what it is, so should be repeatable. If I have an out of character number I drop the high and a low and average the remaining four. I have these records for three years as I said and can produce a weekly, monthly and yearly average. I also document any daily activity which may affect the results. The first reading is always the highest of the day. The second two hours after is always the lowest. Mid afternoon is up a little over the two hour reading and the bedtime reading is usually around the two hour reading. Usually at my Doctors office the readings are higher than relaxed at home. I've taken my equipment to my Doctors office and while there mine are near his arm cuff. One thing I question is the nurse always used the first reading and that is the reading my Doctor medicates by when needed. When that isn't an accurate reflection of my real daily blood pressure. I suspect that is the case in the vast majority of patients. What is your opinion?
Definitely would like a podcast!!
Use a wrist blood pressure monitor at home. Have two arm monitor and the cuffs for home use have hard plastic, which Bruises my arms badly and the cuff is too long reaching the armpit and digs in to the sensitive skin. Thank you! 👍
I use a wrist cuff. I find that eating chocolate or drinking wine raises my blood pressure. Cardio exercise over several days consistently reduces both my blood pressure and my resting heart rate. Thanks for all your great videos and advice.
I am a nurse and I usually get a manual cuff that you can pump up yourself. Where I work we have either ones like you two used., plus “nurse on a stick”, They are ok until someone drops them! The reliability of them goes down.
I use the arm cuff but it hurts so much towards the end of its expanding that I actually cry out in pain. I actually dread using it. The reason I'm checking my BP is because I recently had teeth implants (left upper side) and during the procedure (I was sedated) I was told my BP was "a bit high". I'm going to get a wrist cuff as the pain at the end of the check when using the arm cuff is literally killing me!!!!! I'd love to hear your comments on my problem......
I have been saying this for years!!!! Thank you (as always) for doing this!!
You are so welcome!
Well, I have both an arm cuff and a wrist cuff. I compared readings at home and then discussed this with my doctor and brought the wrist cuff in to see comparative values to the professional arm cuff he uses. We concurred that the wrist cuff was well within the values shown on his arm cuff unit. So…. Calibration confirmed and since I would be more prone to take readings with the wrist cuff due to ease of use…. (also I keep a record of BP readings and oxygen levels from my finger clamp unit on an excel spreadsheet) we both agreed it makes sense to use the wrist cuff at home. It’s nice to track the readings and also calc monthly avg…. Yeah, a touch of OCD here, but that’s the way I function.😅
I listen to podcasts when I walk every day. I would love to add you two to the mix!
I have also heard that the new BP for elderly people is 103 over 90 can you confirm that? thank you for your awesome videos , watching them all the time.
I just bought a wrist cuff before this and it is consistent….its slightly higher than my oncologist but still good! My aromatase inhibitors increased my BP but it’s now back to normal since going back on Tamoxifen!
Just had this done on my wrist and it SCARED ME compared to my normal readings! Thank you for letting me know the difference. Whew!
I will follow your program anywhere. I have learned so much in the last years from you and as I’m aging I have new syndromes every year! Lol
Hello, I started using the cuff and I do have the arm cuff, they both seem to read the same for me, I do suffer from high blood pressure and I am on medication which my doctor prescribed a new medication in hopes that it will lower my blood pressure. Thank you both for sharing this important information
I measure mine with wrist one.
A nurse came and did it with the arm one. Her reading was extremely high.
I took mine to the doctor and it was within 5 points of hers.
I understand the thought of the upper arm being the best.
Now we have smart watches. So how do they compare?
I just started using the wrist cuff… I have been working 3rd shift 38 yrs
Used both..wrist is nice during travel. I default to the cuff and had mine tested by my Doc to assure accurate.
That was amusing, dueling BP monitor's.
Look forward to podcasts from you two.
Most I subscribe too, film on YT and then share on Spotify.
Take care
Sigh! My blood pressure was 180/91 They told me to eat less salt and I had 2 cups of coffee before. This is the highest I have ever had.
The doctors told me my blood pressure would go up after Brian Aneurism surgery.....before my blood pressure was low.
To answer your question...YES I would definitely watch your podcast ... Keep up the good work, really enjoying your videos
Wrist and I’m +40 points for white coat fever. The Dr. was offended thinking he was the nicest guy in the profession.
I really get a lot out of the videos you guys make. I especially like that fact that you are Canadian so I dont have to pay for the helpful information I get from you.
I have been tracking my BP since I was in my 30s (77 yo now) and have been on medication all those years.
Of course I started with the ancient manometer technology years ago but switched to automated cuffs as soon as the price became reasonable.
I had been using an arm cuff for a few years when I noticed that the reading my dentist got with a wrist cuff was essentially the same was what I was getting on my arm cuff device.
So I bought a wrist cuff device and compared the results with my arm cuff instrument.
I found no difference and have been using an wrist cuff ever since.
I do think you have to be a little more careful with wrist cuff but when you do screw up you get a very high result.
My wrist cuff has a led that tels me if I have the cuff at the level of my heart and that seemes to be impoortant. The bigger issue is where on your wrist you place the cuff. If you put it too close to your hand it ends up trying to compress the bones in your wrist rather that the soft tissue of your forearm. This almost always gives a higher reading.
I have taken my wrist cuff to the doctor's office and compared it to the result they get and they always coorelate within a couple of mm of mercury. I see that much variation with repetitive measurements on my arm cuff at home.
Thanks again for the helpful videos
If I take two readings 5 minutes apart with my arm cuff, the 2nd is usually 10-20 points lower on the systolic.
Dr Zalzal, your nails look very nice today...
I would definitely listen to a podcast. I find your discussion informative and for perfect for laypersons.
Very informative and interesting. In addition to the method (wrist vs. arm), I wonder if there may be variations by brand of meter? Like other products, quality can, and often does, vary.
I would definitely listen to a podcast!!! My doctors offices use the arm cuff mostly with the automatic monitor and my primary care doc's office does it the old fashion way with arm cuff and the med assistant pumping it up and listening. The dentist office uses the wrist cuff and it's always higher. I will take your advice and try to avoid caffeine before appointments. Thanks for all of your informative & entertaining videos!!!
Thanks Docs for this video. The arm cuff seems more accurate from my experience.
You won me over with the Rush, Closer to the Heart comment. Thanks I like the wrist cuff and always check it against the arm cuff when visiting the doc.
My take is to use the method which makes you the least stressed during the measurement. For me its a wrist cuff. Arm cuffs make my HR increase which leads to inaccuracy. Take a reading 3 times a day for one week to get an accurate picture of what your numbers really are.
I could always use more podcasts to listen to while i work!
👍 Bring your device to you doctor appointment. Compare it to what his / her equipment shows.
Something to thing about… I think which way your BP is “trending” is what matters most. A wrist band is much easier, even if it’s not as accurate. Because it’s easier, I do it every day at the same time. All that data goes into Apples health app, and for example if I look at my weekly averages for the last six months, I can show how I’m trending. In my case my upper number has dropped 17.34 points over six months, and my lower has dropped 7.25 points… again on weekly averages over six months. Soooo… I know what I’m doing is working very well and I should just keep it up. When my doctor saw the results we took me off one of my BP meds. Just checking once, accurate or not, tells you very little. But if it’s easy to do, and regular you and your doctor will see what us actually happening with your body.
I tried an arm cuff first, but it’s difficult to get one on when you’re the only person in the house. I moved to a wrist cuff because my Nurse Practitioner said something was better than nothing and I’m getting decent readings sometimes a little higher than the readings I get in the her office., although this last visit, my wrist cuff reading was lower than my arm cuff reading. 😂
I took readings twice a day early in the day and then in the evening at the exact times each day. I did this for 3 weeks so that I could explain to the doctor that my blood pressure was good and normal. When I went to the doctor I took the cuff with me and before I got out of the car I was extremely calm and relaxed and I took the reading and then after I got in to the office and they took my blood, the readings were practically identical!! So that helped me to feel much better about the wrist cuff 🎉
Absolutely would listen to a podcast version of your show.
I use an arm cuff. This cuff takes the BP 3 times and takes the average of the 3. I also sit for 5 to 10 minutes before taking the BP. I do not cross my legs and do not talk when taking the BP. I do not partake of caffeine.
Is my arm cuff going to be accurate if the cuff is too wide for my arm? I have to get a large cuff because I'm fat but I'm also small. The directions on the machine say to have the lower edge of the cuff 1/2 inch above my elbow and 1/2 inch below my armpit. There is no way I can make that happen and I've never seen a narrow cuff for purchase on line.
I've used the wrist cuff for several years now and seem to get pretty accurate readings.
Hello Doctors! I use an arm cuff at home, which is consistant with the devices my doctors use. I believe that at-home readings are the most accurate, as I am more relaxed and not tense as I am in a medical office. At home, I can sit quietly for 5 minutes before the readings begin. I am also able to breathe calmly. I have never used a wrist cuff, nor have I ever used handcuffs 😂
I have HF and afib and check my blood pressure each morning before coffee. I use a arm cuff and I took my machine to my doctor's to compare with hers. Good to know that mine is accurate. I had a cheaper model that wasn't as accurate which I replaced. I wouldn't listen to a podcast. I really appreciate your UA-cam videos! Keep them coming! cheers
It's so frustrating. Mine are all over the place. Got a new wrist cuff, same brand just 2 years newer, same batteries..It's 50 lower. Arm cuff is even lower at the drs. Feels all scammy
I completely agree
Hello and thanks. I have three arm cuff monitors and two wrist cuff monitors. Measuring BP multiple times a day and all five are fairly consistent in their readings. The reason I such a collection is because I thought the wrist cuffs were inaccurate. Hypertensive pretty much most of my life and taking three meds. Non smoking or drinking not overweight and exercise every day.
Absolutely to a podcast. Awesome material as usual
The one who has the wrist monitor, is in the wrong arm it supposed to be on the left. I Enjoy your videos thank you so much.
Yes to podcasts..and these shots videos also!!
Taking my BP daily before coffee. I have white coat syndrome and I am on bp meds so rather than increasing my meds I bring my BP calendar to my doctors appointments. I’m satisfied with the upper arm cuff.
Nice
For a more controlled example, you need to both place the cuff on your left arm.
Yes but with an N=2 that is a bit of a moot point. Thanks
I'd love a podcast
I have the wrist cuff at home. I’ll admit I haven’t used it in a long time. My blood pressure is usually low, but one time at the Dr. ‘s it was quite low, so the doc asked me to check it once in a while, I have Parkinson’s and sometimes we parkies have low blood pressure.
I use the arm cuff at home and while sitting quiet and relaxed take three measurements to get average reading. At the Dr office the nurse pulls out a wrist cuff and starts up measurement while talking to me and asking questions so no way I can be in calm relaxed mode during measurement. Later, the Dr sees her chart entries and comments the BP is a little high. Hmmm. What's wrong with this picture ?
Yes to the podcast format
I do love podcast, so it is possible that I would listen. I do test blood pressure occasionally, I only have an arm cuff. I have read that you should wait 15 minutes before retesting blood pressure in the same arm.
Good advice
Always been curious why we are instructed to sit certain ways before taking BP and not eating beforehand but if you have the “luxury” of an overnight stay in the hospital, they take your BP any type of way…no matter if you are lying down, feet crossed, just ate. 🤷🏽♀️
I find when using the same device, I have different readings from the left arm versus the right arm.
I think i read if the range is 10 points of each other is normal, but shouldnt be higher than that for more than three readings, but probs a ton of variables.
Greetings. I take my blood pressure once a month. I use the arm cuff. Thanks for sharing your knowledge Dr. Zal Zal and Dr. Weening.
For sure the arm cuff is more accurate. Been taking mine for decades and comparing to Dr office results. My question is, since we are not at rest during much of the day, how much time does the body need at resting pressure for the vessels to be healthy? BTW, thanks for all the great information!
Absolutely I would love a podcast with you.
How long before or after eating should a measurement be taken? Is the measurement affected by the blood required by the stomach for digestion?
Truly relaxing while holding your wrist at heart level is not easy. If you have high BP, worrying about what your reading will be may raise your BP. Currently, AHA and others are saying that everybody's desirable BP should be below 120 over 80, regardless of age. There are a lot of recommendations about how and when to test your blood pressure. My previous cardiologist's nurse used a wrist BP monitor, my current one uses the manual upper arm cuff version. ( Confusing). Why do doctor's nurses always check your BP immediately after marching you into the examining room?, Usually the doc rechecks your BP (later)and gets a lower reading. Anxiety about world politics and your own and loved one's health and other problems probably affects your BP.
!!!!!! RUSH!!!!!!!! They’re a national treasure for sure .
You guys have great blood pressure! Even during a video it is a good level! I've been about 135/87-93 even on whole food plant based. Still, I have to check from a more reliable source.
I like the wrist cuff better for comfort and convenience. My health insurance company sent me an arm cuff with app to track it but I don't use it much.
I have both at home. They usually are close in the readings.
Nice
Feel better Dr Zalzal.