Why discard the 1st reading?
According to guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA), European Society of Hypertension (ESH), and NICE (UK), the first blood pressure reading in a series is commonly elevated due to the transient alerting response (often termed the "white-coat effect").
Standard Automated Office / Home Procedure:
- Sit quietly with feet flat for 5 minutes prior to the first reading.
- Take Reading 1 (serves as cuff familiarization).
- Rest for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Take Reading 2.
- Rest for 1 minute and take Reading 3.
- Averaging: Discard Reading 1, and average Readings 2 & 3.
AHA/ACC Blood Pressure Categories
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Normal: < 120 and < 80 mmHg
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Elevated: 120-129 and < 80 mmHg
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Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139 or 80-89 mmHg
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Stage 2 Hypertension: ≥ 140 or ≥ 90 mmHg
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Hypertensive Crisis: > 180 and/or > 120 mmHg
Disclaimer: This application is an educational calculation aid and does not substitute professional medical diagnosis or consultation.