Why is it important to take multiple blood pressure readings?

Taking multiple blood pressure readings is essential for ensuring the accuracy of the measurement. Blood pressure can fluctuate due to various factors such as stress, physical activity, or even the time of day. By capturing several readings, health professionals can account for these variations and obtain a more reliable average or pattern of the patient's blood pressure levels.

This practice helps to reduce the likelihood of a false diagnosis, such as misclassifying a patient as hypertensive based on a single elevated reading. It also allows for better monitoring of blood pressure trends over time, which is crucial for making informed decisions about treatment and management. In short, multiple readings provide a clearer and more comprehensive picture of a patient's cardiovascular health.