8 Signs Your At-Home Blood Pressure Monitor Is Wrong

At-home blood pressure monitors make it convenient for people to check their readings, but many users still want assurance that the numbers are accurate for health reasons.

There are ways to detect possible problems with a monitor. Here are eight signs that suggest an at-home blood pressure monitor is giving wrong readings:

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1. Differences between readings at home and at the doctor’s office may reveal something is wrong with an at-home monitor. However, higher readings at a doctor’s office could stem from the stress of the environment, the Mayo Clinic reports. Lower readings could occur if the office environment is calm. It’s best to check with a doctor when there are discrepancies between at-home and office readings.

2. The position of your body may cause inaccuracies, according to Mike McEvoy, EMS coordinator in Saratoga County, New York. Depending on the type of monitor, generally sitting upright with the arm used for taking blood pressure at the side provides an accurate reading. Lying on the side or in other positions could cause inaccurate measurements.

3. There may be slight differences in blood pressure between the right and left arms. A significant difference indicates inaccurate readings.

4. An incorrectly placed cuff could affect the monitor. Read and adhere to the instructions that came with your monitor.

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5. A cuff that has the incorrect size could lead to wrong readings. Often, the cuff is too small. Cuff sizes are usually screened to make sure they are proper for the user, WebMD notes.

6. The position of the arm is important. An arm not relaxed, not supported, or not at heart level may cause inaccurate blood pressure readings.

7. Error messages may alert people using some monitors, reports CAS Medical Systems, a developer of monitoring technologies. “Air leak” or “flow error” messages indicate a cuff may be too loosely applied or there is no stable cuff pressure.

8. Cracks and leaks affect the accuracy of at-home blood pressure monitors. Make sure the tubing is not twisted and the monitor is kept away from heat when stored.

It is advised to check your blood pressure monitor once a year at the doctor’s office to ensure you're getting proper readings at home.

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