Wrist blood pressure monitors: Are they accurate?

Q.	How accurate are wrist blood pressure monitors sold in stores? Mine consistently shows a lower blood pressure reading than that taken by my doctor. Allen / Thailand see response Mayo Clinic hypertension specialist Sheldon Sheps, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

All High Blood Pressure Q&As:

• ACE inhibitors: Safe for people with kidney disease?
• Alcohol: Does it affect blood pressure?
• Anxiety: A cause of high blood pressure?
• Beta blockers: Are they safe if you have asthma?
• Beta blockers: Do they cause weight gain?



• Beta blockers: How do they affect exercise?
• Blood pressure always higher at home: What does it mean?
• Blood pressure medication: Can I stop taking it if I lose weight?
• Blood pressure medications: Can they raise my triglycerides?
• Blood pressure: Can it be higher in one arm?



• Blood pressure: Does it have a daily pattern?
• Blood pressure: Is it affected by weather?
• Caffeine: How does it affect blood pressure?
• Diuretics: A cause of low potassium?
• Fibromuscular dysplasia: A cause of high blood pressure?



• Free blood pressure machines: Are they accurate?
• High blood pressure medication: When should I take it?
• Hypertensive crisis: What are the symptoms?
• Isolated systolic hypertension: A health concern?
• L-arginine: Does it lower blood pressure?



• Low-sodium diet: Why is processed food so salty?
• Menopause and high blood pressure: What's the connection?
• Pulse pressure: An indicator of heart health?
• Resperate: Can it help lower my blood pressure?
• Sleep deprivation: Can it cause high blood pressure?



• Water softeners: How much sodium do they add?
• Weightlifting: Bad for your blood pressure?
• Wrist blood pressure monitors: Are they accurate?

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