Blood Pressure - Arm Cuff Vs Wrist Cuff

In this episode of "Talking with Docs," the doctors delve into a crucial aspect of blood pressure monitoring - wrist blood pressure cuffs versus traditional arm cuffs. Join them as they compare the differences, advantages, and potential limitations of these two methods, providing valuable insights to help you make informed choices for monitoring your blood pressure at home.
linktr.ee/talkingwithdocs
Donate To Oakville Hospital: donate.oakvillehospitalfounda...
Tiktok: vm.tiktok.com/ZMFtY2JQ7/
Instagram: talkingwithdocs...
Facebook: profile.php?...
Twitter: talkingwithdocs?s...
Please see the complete user agreement at talkingwithdocs.com
Medical emergency
Do NOT use the Video for medical emergencies. If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on the Video.
General information is not medical advice
The general information provided on the Video is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider properly licensed to practice medicine or general healthcare in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Video and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Video. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program. Information obtained on the Video is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment.
#bloodpressure #health #diabetes #healthylifestyle #hypertension #highbloodpressure #hearthealth #heartdisease #cholesterol #healthy #bloodpressurecontrol #weightloss #fitness #heart #wellness #nutrition #healthyliving #bloodpressuremonitor #healthcare #healthyfood #heartattack #medical #stroke #medicine #type #bloodsugar #bloodpressureproblems #doctor #cancer #obesity

[@GATORADDAM]

My take is...... Taking your blood pressure all the time raises your blood pressure.

[@michelemaliano7860]

My mom had PTSD. She was constantly taking hers; at times every 15 minutes. Her anxiety would get up and she’d think it was blood pressure. She didn’t have hypertension but they gave her meds for to appease her.

[@GATORADDAM]

@michelemaliano7860 My ex wife was like that. If she read about an illness, or heard about someone having an illness then she thought she had it. Taking her temperature and blood pressure 10 times a day and actually making herself sick. If you feel fine .... you're fine!

[@darlenemartinez384]

There are several reasons for high bp readings in a doctors office. 1. They march you back and make you get on a scale. 2. Then they march to a room where they sit you down and strap you up. All the while trying to be funny and making little jokes with the effort to get you to laugh. 3. They push the button and the cuff inflates to an extremely high level to point where my eyes cross. 4. And then they say…..huh, it’s a little high. YA THINK? Like you said, the size of the cuff makes a big difference. If you have a big arm and they use a normal cuff it will give you a higher reading. The old school method of bp taking was only as accurate as the hearing of the person taking it. Since you basically had to listen for the sound of the heartbeat. Poor hearing and you were screwed. I’m guessing that there are way too many people on meds because of false readings due to practitioners carelessness. Not a good thing.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes, we have an entire video dedicated to how to take your blood pressure properly

[@rpvermeulen]

A unique experience: two people in a KZbin clip being silent for several seconds and still make a lot of sense!

[@jesseostone386]

I have a wrist cuff, and took my measurements over about a three-week span at approximately the same time every evening. It was fairly consistent at about 110/70 with heart rate of 76. I was satisfied with that info, even if not totally accurate. Not bad for a 65 yo woman on no meds.👍🏼

[@KM-ts5ou]

I enjoy both of you on YT and can use closed captioning. I rarely listen to podcasts. You two make a good team! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, referencing peer reviewed articles, and having fun on your channel!

[@michaelnapier3221]

Thank you two for taking the time out to do these short segments mixing the humor with medicine. I’ve always had more confidence in the arm cuff. My blood pressure is not bad but, I wish I had you guys, either one😁 Please keep up the good work and the occasional guest appearance of other specialty docs, much appreciated.

[@checkmecare]

It is true that an arm bp monitor will be a little better than a wrist or a fingernail one.😅😅

[@williamjones914]

Nice nails Doc! Go for the podcast. Love the stuff you present

[@rebornsugar]

I bought a wrist cuff for traveling. Yes, following instructions are important. Thanks for the video.

[@cowanthegreat8966]

Arm. Monitored mine twice a day (2x) for a couple weeks in December. Was 137/85, I'm 66yo. Decided it was time to make some changes. Been intermittent fasting (16-18 hours a day), no snacking between meals, no processed foods, more lettuce, but nothing radical food wise. Been taking my blood pressure the past week, now average 120/80 and have lost five pounds. Oh, and added a second 20m walk a day.

[@Manana7016]

That’s great!

[@4evaavfc]

Normally, you'd wait a few minutes between readings. Thank you for all the useful videos

[@charlieanstey9998]

I used an arm cuff for years with good reliable results. I have compared it to my Doctors" machine 3 times and found it to be in agreement. It was also nice to see the numbers decline in conjunction with my Keto diet.

[@aileensteele7298]

We use a wrist cuff. Our cardiologist said even if reading may differ from he gets in his office, the wrist cuff gives a good baseline and info to work with. At least we are keeping track of

[@arnie111999]

Hi guys from France - absolutely love your work - prefer vids to podcasts - I’m 68 and my kids and friends love your stuff too. I’m a veteran of two stent operations and a carotid endarterectomy with ongoing medication for hypertension - I use a cuff about every three months prior to doctor and cardiologist visits - my cuff gets calibrated occasionally with my doctors old fashioned method and seems pretty accurate. When I do it, I do it as advised, three consecutive times morning and the same before bed on 3 consecutive days thus a total of 18 data points. As an aside I find you need to sit quietly for a minimum of 5-10 mins for consistent results - keep up the good work

[@marthae1007]

We use both the wrist and arm cuff at our dental office for screening of BP. The wrist usually does read higher, but as a screening tool in preventing medical emergencies both do the job. I enjoy your clips on all things medical and would welcome podcasts on current topics and controversies in medicine.

[@checkmecare]

Generally, an upper-arm blood pressure monitor is better because it measures closer to the heart.

[@graymatters2]

Thank you both. I use an arm cuff, but only recorded twice a day. Testing three times a day makes so much sense. I always thought once or twice was enough depending on what you do prior to checking your pressure. This is great learnings. I know YT can be a lot of work, but I do enjoy them better since I'm of your targeted age group.

[@darlenericotta]

Docs you are great! Thank you so much for doing this! It makes so much more sense when you give instructions on how to take blood pressure, I understand it more now! Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedules to teach us. Bless you!

[@thomasc4777]

I would absolutely enjoy your podcast, particularly when the topic warrants additional information and perspective as some of them do. However, I'm mindful of your time constraints, and always appreciative of the invaluable work you do.

[@julietb5678]

I love listening to podcasts when I commute, so I would definitely enjoy listening to yours. We have an arm cuff for home readings and it seems to be pretty accurate based on readings at the doctors' offices.

[@MezzaItaliana2]

I love the podcast idea. I listen to many podcasts while walking or working out at the gym everyday.

[@grand73am]

Very relatable episode. Thanks! I have both the arm cuff and wrist cuff. I just measured with both, 4 times each. The wrist is higher for me by an average of about 7 sys and 2 dia. I've recorded readings over the last couple of years, and the wrist tends to be higher most of the time. I find it can vary quite a bit within the same sitting. I have to control my thoughts when I do it, since certain thoughts tend to elevate my pressure. The calmer I can make myself the better it is. I do get the white coat syndrome when at the doctor's office, where they get a significantly higher pressure. And I tell them, well at home and I'm calm, it's much better 🙂.

[@checkmecare]

That's why it's good to measure your own blood pressure at home if you don't have to. At least you get a peace of mind.😁😁😁😁

[@elgordoloney5743]

Go with podcasts 4 sure! Really appreciate the efforts time and information you provide, keep it flowing, thanks

[@heatherdepasquale9803]

I use the wrist cuff…it’s easy to use…so I’m more apt to use it when I need to. I’m not always able to secure the arm band. I take several measurements so I know where my BP is at. An exact number isn’t as important as knowing you’re within the normal BP parameters. Thanks Docs.

[@suzannesmith8971]

Yes, I would listen to your excellent information.

[@rosemariegreenland106]

Love all your videos. Not sure if I would enjoy podcasts more but I imagine it would depend on the content. I’m hoping you’ll add a vitamin/supplement video and not just individual vitamins, looking for guidance on daily requirements for older female populations trying to maintain a healthy immune system. The amount of information online is overwhelming, hoping you can streamline it! Thank you both, you are fabulous together!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Will do our best

[@larryherbert2881]

you guys are great and go for the podcast I would enjoy it! Your guests are always interesting as well. I am a male over 65 and you answer a lot of things on my mind. Great stuff!!

[@marjschmitz1836]

Yes, I would love to see and listen to your podcasts. The format from today is more improved than having you two standing and talking to another doctor. You come across more relaxed and less awkward than when you are standing.

[@BethKrepich-df3qv]

I have been watching your podcasts for over a year now. I like the visual personally.

[@dinamac8390]

To answer your question...YES I would definitely watch your podcast ... Keep up the good work, really enjoying your videos

[@wendyurban5666]

I use the arm cuff, take 3 readings about a minute or two apart, twice a day. I’d definitely listen to a podcast from you two!

[@WilliamNAllen]

Closer to the heart. Great

[@aljanet1514]

One of you needs to see a Dr. for that high BP. I use the arm one and make sure I don't need to go to the bathroom. Every time that I have tested and was holding in my (you know what) it always goes up 15-20 points. Thank you for the great videos.

[@davidrippman5398]

I would definitely listen to a podcast. I find your discussion informative and for perfect for laypersons.

[@drcarpenter8773]

Absolutely to a podcast. Awesome material as usual

[@shanl6968]

I own both types and carry the wrist one in my bag for trips. It’s as simple as like putting on or off a watch, no need to take off long sleeves. My family doctor didn’t like it but ‘calibration’ in his office proofed it’s accuracy, as long as used properly. The doctor preferred arm one has been collecting dust somewhere in the basement.

[@karlsquire8148]

Thank you for the vid Docs, always informative.

[@Rick-wu9gu]

Thoroughly enjoyed all of your videos! I have both devices at home and prefer the wrist cuff just out of convenience. The wrist cuff was about 60% of the cost of the arm cuff.

[@sailboatrn7372]

I have been saying this for years!!!! Thank you (as always) for doing this!!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

You are so welcome!

[@lornenewman]

I listen to podcasts when I walk every day. I would love to add you two to the mix!

[@GreenIvy3834]

I too was told I had white coat sydrome. When going to a my pcp, dentist, or any phyisican office. But at home it is 119/78. I have two blood pressure cuff like the ones shown on your program. I take my b/p sheet everytime I go to any MD office. My Cardiologist is the one that called this out, reason my pcp wanted to put me on high blood pressure medication due to the high b/p in her office. I went immediately to a Cardiologist to get this straight out. B/P can be miss leading. Scary! Great program!

[@thelavenderlatch]

I will follow your program anywhere. I have learned so much in the last years from you and as I’m aging I have new syndromes every year! Lol

[@vickicoster9722]

I would listen to a pod cast. Thanks for the onfo, very helpful.

[@pjk1714]

Used both..wrist is nice during travel. I default to the cuff and had mine tested by my Doc to assure accurate. That was amusing, dueling BP monitor's. Look forward to podcasts from you two. Most I subscribe too, film on YT and then share on Spotify. Take care

[@therose5138]

Definitely would like a podcast!! Use a wrist blood pressure monitor at home. Have two arm monitor and the cuffs for home use have hard plastic, which Bruises my arms badly and the cuff is too long reaching the armpit and digs in to the sensitive skin. Thank you! 👍

[@sharonpults1177]

I have an arm cuff unit. When I bought it I took it to my doctors office with me. I had them use their fancy one and then mine. Of course without telling me what the numbers were. Turned out my unit was 7 points off from the fancy one at the doctors office. Meaning I had to add the 7 to mine to get the same reading. Thanks for these informative videos. I would listen to your podcast!!

[@janemcginn9205]

I use a wrist cuff at home, and I do bend my arm and have it at the height of my heart. I do it in the morning before coffee, and in the evening. I seem to be getting fairly confident results.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Good stuff!

[@johnbayliss1098]

Excellent podcast guys continue

[@Adrian-cs4tl]

Having a podcast would be fantastic. Talk about everything 101 and then have a weekly Q&A and monthly FAQ. 30 min each since each commute goes for around 30min. Thank you. Great idea.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

That's a great idea! Thanks for the positive feedback

[@deborahlinton9635]

Just had this done on my wrist and it SCARED ME compared to my normal readings! Thank you for letting me know the difference. Whew!

[@bethwitschey5046]

I have both wrist and arm cuff. I have taken my BP at home with both -one right after the other. The readings were within a few points of each other for both systolic and diastolic pressures.

[@roseannsullivan1871]

I use a wrist cuff as it's easier and absolutely I would love you to have a podcast and I would be a regular listener. Thanks docs, love your KZbin videos, so informative.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Noted!

[@user-lw3vr8oy3m]

I use a wrist cuff. I find that eating chocolate or drinking wine raises my blood pressure. Cardio exercise over several days consistently reduces both my blood pressure and my resting heart rate. Thanks for all your great videos and advice.

[@donnag1356]

I would definitely listen to a podcast!!! My doctors offices use the arm cuff mostly with the automatic monitor and my primary care doc's office does it the old fashion way with arm cuff and the med assistant pumping it up and listening. The dentist office uses the wrist cuff and it's always higher. I will take your advice and try to avoid caffeine before appointments. Thanks for all of your informative & entertaining videos!!!

[@mirossalinas3238]

Love you guys,cuff

[@torqwrench5901]

I use the arm cuff at home and while sitting quiet and relaxed take three measurements to get average reading. At the Dr office the nurse pulls out a wrist cuff and starts up measurement while talking to me and asking questions so no way I can be in calm relaxed mode during measurement. Later, the Dr sees her chart entries and comments the BP is a little high. Hmmm. What's wrong with this picture ?

[@user-vx9ur4tm2d]

I have HF and afib and check my blood pressure each morning before coffee. I use a arm cuff and I took my machine to my doctor's to compare with hers. Good to know that mine is accurate. I had a cheaper model that wasn't as accurate which I replaced. I wouldn't listen to a podcast. I really appreciate your KZbin videos! Keep them coming! cheers

[@manelk8]

Wrist and I’m +40 points for white coat fever. The Dr. was offended thinking he was the nicest guy in the profession.

[@RockStarParking10]

Great idea with the podcast! 👍

[@jacquelinearcher4463]

VERY informative.

[@julianp.1713]

Interesting topic today, as I've been doing a study of my own for three years as of the first of January. Understand that I'm doing this out of curiosity not based on a heart issue. Past blood pressure issue for some time though. How I do it daily, I take the readings four times a day. The first thing when I wake up, two hours after the first reading, mid afternoon and before I go to bed. I have three of the arm type cuffs. Once a month I test them against each other. When taking the readings, I take eight readings. I toss the first two as they are higher than the rest. I then average the next six. These six are usual with in a couple points of each other. My thoughts my blood pressure is what it is, so should be repeatable. If I have an out of character number I drop the high and a low and average the remaining four. I have these records for three years as I said and can produce a weekly, monthly and yearly average. I also document any daily activity which may affect the results. The first reading is always the highest of the day. The second two hours after is always the lowest. Mid afternoon is up a little over the two hour reading and the bedtime reading is usually around the two hour reading. Usually at my Doctors office the readings are higher than relaxed at home. I've taken my equipment to my Doctors office and while there mine are near his arm cuff. One thing I question is the nurse always used the first reading and that is the reading my Doctor medicates by when needed. When that isn't an accurate reflection of my real daily blood pressure. I suspect that is the case in the vast majority of patients. What is your opinion?

[@edkane]

Absolutely would listen to a podcast version of your show.

[@huffy1030]

I would definitely listen to your podcast!!

[@tinabaker4571]

This information is very 😂 helpful would love to hear from you again I jearn much this morning thank you

[@carmenlucia9378]

Hello, I started using the cuff and I do have the arm cuff, they both seem to read the same for me, I do suffer from high blood pressure and I am on medication which my doctor prescribed a new medication in hopes that it will lower my blood pressure. Thank you both for sharing this important information

[@anthonyadamovich7328]

You won me over with the Rush, Closer to the Heart comment. Thanks I like the wrist cuff and always check it against the arm cuff when visiting the doc.

[@user-sh9wk1rf9j]

Very interesting. Good to know.

[@robnrockin1]

Yes to podcasts..and these shots videos also!!

[@terryg4415]

If I take two readings 5 minutes apart with my arm cuff, the 2nd is usually 10-20 points lower on the systolic.

[@shelton126]

Yes to the podcast format

[@amo8728]

Always been curious why we are instructed to sit certain ways before taking BP and not eating beforehand but if you have the “luxury” of an overnight stay in the hospital, they take your BP any type of way…no matter if you are lying down, feet crossed, just ate. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@scottycomics]

I could always use more podcasts to listen to while i work!

[@kaitlinnesbitt9799]

Greetings. I take my blood pressure once a month. I use the arm cuff. Thanks for sharing your knowledge Dr. Zal Zal and Dr. Weening.

[@debbiewhite3602]

I tried an arm cuff first, but it’s difficult to get one on when you’re the only person in the house. I moved to a wrist cuff because my Nurse Practitioner said something was better than nothing and I’m getting decent readings sometimes a little higher than the readings I get in the her office., although this last visit, my wrist cuff reading was lower than my arm cuff reading. 😂

[@DK-ts3bd]

Yes to a podcast!

[@maddiem1030]

I use an arm cuff. This cuff takes the BP 3 times and takes the average of the 3. I also sit for 5 to 10 minutes before taking the BP. I do not cross my legs and do not talk when taking the BP. I do not partake of caffeine.

[@piepeeya4604]

Sigh! My blood pressure was 180/91 They told me to eat less salt and I had 2 cups of coffee before. This is the highest I have ever had. The doctors told me my blood pressure would go up after Brian Aneurism surgery.....before my blood pressure was low.

[@musicchocolate1390]

Thanks for this video. And I enjoyed the Rush reference :)

[@pammclaughlin8210]

I just bought a wrist cuff before this and it is consistent….its slightly higher than my oncologist but still good! My aromatase inhibitors increased my BP but it’s now back to normal since going back on Tamoxifen!

[@glendad4526]

I understand the thought of the upper arm being the best. Now we have smart watches. So how do they compare?

[@gregbrooks7233]

Very informative and interesting. In addition to the method (wrist vs. arm), I wonder if there may be variations by brand of meter? Like other products, quality can, and often does, vary.

[@lavonnemcdowell7040]

Absolutely I would love a podcast with you.

[@jettabartholomew1118]

Yes!

[@colleenb.873]

Thanks for the Rush reference 😊

[@jazzdog1953]

Hello and thanks. I have three arm cuff monitors and two wrist cuff monitors. Measuring BP multiple times a day and all five are fairly consistent in their readings. The reason I such a collection is because I thought the wrist cuffs were inaccurate. Hypertensive pretty much most of my life and taking three meds. Non smoking or drinking not overweight and exercise every day.

[@sarahwilliam7467]

Podcast yes!

[@bw6078]

Feel better Dr Zalzal.

[@louisel.sinniger2057]

I am a nurse and I usually get a manual cuff that you can pump up yourself. Where I work we have either ones like you two used., plus “nurse on a stick”, They are ok until someone drops them! The reliability of them goes down.

[@dutchwillem]

I have also heard that the new BP for elderly people is 103 over 90 can you confirm that? thank you for your awesome videos , watching them all the time.

[@DanAshleyChicago]

I use the arm cuff with the stethoscope to listen. I find the pulse pulse pulse sound of my human heart to be strangely relaxing.

[@bruceall2001]

I've used the wrist cuff for several years now and seem to get pretty accurate readings.

[@das2783]

First time watching your podcast. I just bought a wrist BP monitor today even though we have the arm cuff too. I have trouble putting the cuff one on but I would prefer an accurate one. Guess I will be returning the wrist one. I only take my BP med in the a.m. to see if I should take it. BP started dropping too low. I like your podcast and will be following you 2 doctors. Thank you!❤

[@billzen]

Great information and very useful! A podcast would be very welcome.

[@1HeathersJourney]

I use a wrist cuff when I measure. When we were caring for my Stepmom she always felt like she was going to pass out with the arm cuff, so we used the wrist cuff day to day. Better than not measuring!

[@RiDankulous]

You guys have great blood pressure! Even during a video it is a good level! I've been about 135/87-93 even on whole food plant based. Still, I have to check from a more reliable source.

[@9999Windigo]

I measure mine with wrist one. A nurse came and did it with the arm one. Her reading was extremely high. I took mine to the doctor and it was within 5 points of hers.

[@msSarahAudrey]

Yes podcasts!

[@sandie1166]

i went through five brands of wrist cuffs before I found one that was accurate (checking against my arm cuff).Dr.. Weening... I'm surprised your systolic was not in the stratosphere (said with great fondness) because your energy level before you took your blood pressure using the wrist cuff was pretty high. You're the high energy; Dr. Zalzal is the low key guy. : )

[@debhinkle4413]

Great information. I use arm cuff but I’m one that it squeezes the fat so much it does cause considerable pain so in using the arm cuff I do use in the lower arm. I also keep track of vitals every morning. When I take my BP and it’s either unusually high or low I’ll switch arms and do again. I usually end up doing twice on each side.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Very nice

[@dinamac8390]

I took readings twice a day early in the day and then in the evening at the exact times each day. I did this for 3 weeks so that I could explain to the doctor that my blood pressure was good and normal. When I went to the doctor I took the cuff with me and before I got out of the car I was extremely calm and relaxed and I took the reading and then after I got in to the office and they took my blood, the readings were practically identical!! So that helped me to feel much better about the wrist cuff 🎉

[@jmcenterprises9591]

Thanks Docs for this video. The arm cuff seems more accurate from my experience.

[@darlenesmith8311]

I like the wrist cuff better for comfort and convenience. My health insurance company sent me an arm cuff with app to track it but I don't use it much.