Blood pressure always higher at home: What does it mean?

My blood pressure always measures higher at home than at my doctor's office. Am I doing something wrong?

- No name given / South Carolina

Answer

Blood pressure that consistently measures higher at home or at work than it does at your doctor's office is called masked hypertension. This may occur for several reasons. For example, a calm, quiet environment at your doctor's office may be less stressful than the environment at home or work. Also, use of alcohol, caffeine or cigarettes at home can increase blood pressure.

Be sure that your home blood pressure monitor is accurate and that you're using correct technique. If you're not sure, ask your doctor. However, some people consistently get different readings at home or work than at their doctor's office — even when blood pressure is measured correctly and repeatedly.

Don't ignore the readings you get at home or work. If the readings are accurate and consistently higher than those at your doctor's office, those numbers should be considered correct and managed accordingly. Persistent high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.

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