Blood pressure readings: Why higher at home?

Answer Section

Blood pressure that measures higher at home than at a medical office could be due to a mistake in how you check your blood pressure at home. Or it may be that you are less stressed at your healthcare professional's office.

When you have lower blood pressure measurements at a medical office than at home, it is called masked hypertension. Masked hypertension can happen if a calm, quiet medical setting is less stressful than your home setting.

But some people feel more stress and anxiety when getting a health checkup. If your blood pressure is higher at a medical office than at your home, the condition is called white-coat hypertension.

Be sure that your home blood pressure monitor is accurate. Also check that you're using it correctly. If you're not sure, ask your healthcare team. You may be asked to bring your blood pressure monitor to your next appointment. You might check your blood pressure in one arm with your monitor while a member of your healthcare team checks your blood pressure in the other arm with the office equipment.

Some people always get different blood pressure readings outside a medical office — even when blood pressure is measured correctly and repeatedly. If your home blood pressure readings are accurate and always higher than those at a medical office, you may be at risk of a heart attack or stroke. Your healthcare professional likely will manage your blood pressure based on the higher readings.