Several important mistakes can disrupt the accuracy of blood pressure readings for people who measure their blood pressure at home.
According to the American Heart Association, the average “normal” blood pressure is 120/80.
Almost half of adults in the United States have elevated blood pressure (systolic blood pressure between 120 and 19 and diastolic blood pressure below 80). According to the AHA, high blood pressure (high blood pressure with a systolic blood pressure of 130 to 139 and a diastolic blood pressure of 80 to 89) can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke if left untreated.
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Dr. Bradley Serwer, a Maryland-based cardiologist and chief medical officer of Ingenovis Health Vital Solutions, which provides cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals, “It's very common to see patients.”
According to the American Heart Association, the average “normal” blood pressure is 120/80. (St. Petersburg)
“Following proper standardized instructions is essential.”
Cardiologists told Fox News Digital the following common mistakes patients often make when measuring blood pressure:
1. Using the wrong arm position
Certain arm positions can lead to inflated results and misdiagnosis of hypertension. This is supported by a recent study from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
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People who rested their arms on their laps had nearly 4 mmHg higher peak blood pressure readings (systolic blood pressure), whereas those who kept their arms hanging at their sides lowered their blood pressure readings (systolic blood pressure) by nearly 4 mmHg. It increased by nearly 7 mmHg.
For the most accurate results, the guideline is to place your arm on a desk or another hard surface at heart level, Sarwar told Fox News Digital.
2. Sitting in the wrong position
“Correct posture is to sit upright with your feet on the floor, uncrossed, and your arms resting on a flat surface at heart level,” Sarwar advised.
Studies have shown that certain arm positions can lead to exaggerated results and misdiagnosis of high blood pressure. (St. Petersburg)
3. Using the wrong type or size of cuff
Cardiologists warned that if the cuff is too big or too small, the readings will be abnormal.
“Most blood pressure monitors use a cuff or wrist cuff,” he said. “Bracelets tend to be more accurate and require fewer steps to ensure accuracy.”
4. Not calibrating the cuff
Serwar said he typically asks all patients to bring their home cuff to the office, where he first measures blood pressure manually and then uses the patient's cuff.
“Then we can assess the accuracy of their cuff,” he said.
5. Not giving enough time to equilibrate
The most accurate results are obtained after sitting in a low-stress environment for five minutes, Sarwar said.
“Know your blood pressure even if you're healthy.”
6. Consume caffeine beforehand
“Caffeine increases blood pressure, so avoid stimulants before taking your blood pressure,” says Sarwar.
7. Check at different times
When taking your blood pressure, Thurber recommends checking your blood pressure twice and waiting at least a minute between measurements.
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“Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, so checking your blood pressure at the same time each day will give you a better trend,” he added.
Sarwar also advises patients to log their blood pressure readings.
“If the average blood pressure reading is greater than 130/80, the patient has Stage I hypertension and should be evaluated by a primary care provider,” the cardiologist said. (St. Petersburg)
“If the average blood pressure reading is greater than 130/80, the patient has Stage I hypertension and should be evaluated by their primary care physician,” he said.
“If your blood pressure is above 180/100 or if you have symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe headache, you should seek immediate treatment.”
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Even if you don't have other symptoms besides high blood pressure, Sarwar emphasizes that you shouldn't wait to treat high blood pressure until complications occur.
“Heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and peripheral vascular disease are often preventable through early intervention,” he said.
According to the AHA, in most cases, you can keep your blood pressure within a safe range by making lifestyle changes such as improving your diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. (St. Petersburg)
“Know your blood pressure even if you're healthy.”
According to the AHA, in most cases, you can keep your blood pressure within a safe range by making lifestyle changes such as improving your diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight.
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If necessary, your doctor can prescribe medication to treat high blood pressure that does not respond to lifestyle changes.
