Blood pressure readings: Why higher at home?

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 outside the 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 — leading to a lower blood pressure reading at the doctor's office. Likewise, 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. He or she may ask you to bring the home blood pressure monitor to the office. You may measure your blood pressure in one arm with the home monitor while your doctor measures your blood pressure in the other arm with the office equipment.

Still, some people consistently get different blood pressure readings outside the doctor's office — even when blood pressure is measured correctly and repeatedly. If your home blood pressure readings are accurate and consistently higher than those at your doctor's office, your doctor will likely manage your blood pressure based on the higher readings.

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