Consumer Health: Are public blood pressure machines accurate?

A blood pressure test measures the pressure in your arteries as your heart pumps. Periodic blood pressure testing by your health care provider is an important part of most medical appointments. This testing is used to screen for high blood pressure as a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Public blood pressure machines, such as those found in grocery stores and pharmacies, may provide helpful information about your blood pressure, as well. But they may have limitations. The accuracy of these machines depends on several factors, such as correct cuff size and proper use of the machines.

Learn more from Dr. Sheldon Sheps, an emeritus Mayo Clinic hypertension and peripheral vascular diseases physician, about using public blood pressure machines.