Wrist blood pressure monitors: Are they accurate? – Mayo Clinic.

That can’t be right.

I had my blood pressure taken at the dentist the other day.  The reading nearly sent me into cardiac arrest.  My observations:

• The equipment used was a wrist BP monitor, not exactly known for accuracy.
• The individual who took the reading is a dental hygienist who probably got zero training in the proper positioning and use of the monitor.
• My blood pressure has always been normal.

I’ll stop at one of those ubiquitous upper arm machines you find at any pharmacy and do a recheck.  And those iPhone apps that measure blood pressure?  Don’t even bother.