Different blood pressure readings: what I would record.
If my blood pressure changed with each reading, I might be tempted to keep the nicest number. To understand what was happening, I would need the less appealing ones, too.
If my clinician arranged home monitoring, I would confirm the schedule and record the readings with dates and times. At the next visit I would bring both the record and monitor to check cuff fit, technique and when to call.
I would not change prescribed medicine because of one reading. For a very high result, I would keep the following guidance handy rather than guess from how I felt.
For adults who aren't pregnant or recently postpartum: if the top number is over 180 or the bottom is over 120, with symptoms such as chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness, vision changes or trouble speaking, call 911. Without symptoms, recheck after at least one minute; if it's still that high, contact a clinician immediately. Emergency symptoms need help even at lower readings.
Children, pregnancy and the weeks after birth need different guidance. If that applies to you, ask the appropriate care team promptly about a high reading; don't use these adult cutoffs to decide it is safe to wait.
