Several important errors can throw off the accuracy of blood pressure readings for people who take them home.
A “normal” blood pressure is 120/80, according to the American Heart Association.
About half of all US adults have elevated blood pressure (systolic blood pressure between 120 and 19 and diastolic pressure less than 80). High blood pressure (high blood pressure, which is when the systolic pressure is between 130 and 139 or the diastolic pressure is between 80 and 89) can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke if left untreated, according to the AHA.
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“It’s very common to see patients with bad data,” said Dr. Bradley Serwer, a Maryland-based cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company that provides cardiology and anesthesiology services to hospitals.
A “normal” blood pressure is 120/80, according to the American Heart Association. (Stock)
“It’s important to follow proper instructions.”
A cardiologist shared with Fox News Digital the following common mistakes he often sees patients make when monitoring their blood pressure.
1. Using the wrong arm position
Certain arm positions can lead to increased results and misdiagnosis of high blood pressure. This is supported by a recent study from Johns Hopkins Medicine.
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People with their arms on their laps ran a higher number in the blood pressure reading (systolic blood pressure) by about 4 mmHg, while leaving their arm hanging by their side raised it by about 7 mmHg.
For the most accurate results, guidelines are to place the arm on a desk or other firm surface at the same level as the heart, Serwer told Fox News Digital.
2. Living in the wrong place
“The right position is to sit straight with your feet on the ground and your legs uncrossed, with your arm on a flat surface that is the same size as your heart,” advises Serwer.
Certain arm positions can lead to increased results and misdiagnosis of hypertension, research has shown. (Stock)
3. Using the wrong type or size of cuff
If the cuff is too big or too small, the measurements will be irregular, warns the cardiologist.
“Most blood pressure monitors use an arm cuff or a wrist cuff,” he said. “Arm cuffs tend to be more accurate and require fewer steps to ensure accuracy.”
4. Not measuring the cuff
Serwer said he usually asks all patients to bring their home cuff to the office, where he first takes their blood pressure manually and then uses the patient’s cabinet.
“We can then check the accuracy of their cuff,” he said.
5. Not allowing enough time to measure
The most accurate results are obtained after sitting in a low-pressure area for five minutes, notes Serwer.
“Know your blood pressure, even if you’re healthy.”
6. Drinking caffeine beforehand
“Avoid stimulants before measuring blood pressure, because caffeine will increase it,” says Serwer.
7. Testing at different times of the day
If you take your blood pressure, Serwer recommends checking it twice and waiting at least one minute between measurements.
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“Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, so checking your blood pressure at the same time each day gives us better practice,” he added.
Serwer also advises her patients to track their blood pressure readings in a log.
“If the blood pressure ratio is over 130/80, they have stage I hypertension and should be evaluated by their primary care provider,” says the cardiologist. (Stock)
“If the blood pressure ratio is over 130/80, they have stage I hypertension and should be evaluated by their primary care provider,” he said.
“If their blood pressure is over 180/100 or if they have symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath or headache, they should seek immediate attention.”
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Even if there are no symptoms other than high blood pressure, Serwer stresses that people should not wait until they have problems before treating high blood pressure.
“Heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and coronary artery disease can be prevented with early intervention,” he said.
In most cases, making lifestyle changes such as improving your diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight can help keep blood pressure within a safe range, according to the AHA. (Stock)
“Know your blood pressure, even if you’re healthy.”
In most cases, making lifestyle changes such as improving your diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight can help keep blood pressure within a safe range, according to the AHA.
For more health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
If necessary, the doctor can provide guidance on medications to treat high blood pressure that does not respond to lifestyle changes.
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