For people who measure their blood pressure at home, several key mistakes can affect the accuracy of their blood pressure readings.
According to the American Heart Association, the average “normal” blood pressure is 120/80.
Almost half of American adults have high blood pressure (systolic blood pressure between 120 and 19 and diastolic blood pressure below 80). According to the American Heart Association (AHA), high blood pressure (called high blood pressure when the systolic blood pressure is between 130 and 139 or the diastolic blood pressure is between 80 and 89) can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke if left untreated. .
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“It’s very common to have poor patient data,” said Dr. Bradley Serwer, a Maryland cardiologist and chief medical officer of VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company that provides cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals.
According to the American Heart Association, the average “normal” blood pressure is 120/80. (iStock)
“It is critical to follow appropriate standardized instructions.”
The 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 may lead to exaggerated hypertension results and misdiagnosis. Recent research from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine supports this.
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The top number in blood pressure readings (systolic blood pressure) increased by nearly 4 mmHg in people who put their arms on their knees, and by nearly 7 mmHg in people who let their arms hang by their sides.
For the most accurate results, the guideline is to rest your arms on a table or another solid surface at heart level, Serwer told Fox News Digital.
2. Wrong sitting posture
“Correct posture is to sit up straight with your feet on the floor, legs uncrossed, and arms resting on a flat surface at heart level,” Thelwell advises.
Research shows that certain arm positions may lead to exaggerated high blood pressure results and misdiagnosis. (iStock)
3. Using the wrong type or size of cuff
Cardiologists warn that if the cuff is too big or too small, the measurements will be abnormal.
“Most blood pressure monitors use an armband or wristband,” he said. “Arm cuffs tend to be more accurate and require fewer steps to ensure accuracy.”
4. Uncalibrated cuff
Serwer said he typically asks all patients to bring their home cuffs to the office, where he first manually measures blood pressure and then uses the patient’s cuff.
“Then we can evaluate the accuracy of their cuffs,” he said.
5. Not enough time to balance
Serwer notes that the most accurate results are obtained after sitting quietly for five minutes in a low-stress environment.
“Even if you’re healthy, know your blood pressure.”
6. Drink caffeine beforehand
“Avoid using stimulants before taking your blood pressure because caffeine can increase blood pressure,” Sewell said.
7. Check in at different times of the day
When measuring blood pressure, Serwer recommends checking it twice, waiting at least one minute between measurements.
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“Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, so checking it at the same time every day can give us a better idea of trends,” he added.
Serwer also recommends that his patients track their blood pressure readings in a log.
“If the average blood pressure reading is greater than 130/80, they have stage I hypertension and should be evaluated by their primary care provider,” one cardiologist said. (iStock)
“If the average blood pressure reading is greater than 130/80, they have stage I hypertension and should be evaluated by a primary care provider,” he said.
“If their blood pressure is above 180/100 or they have chest pain, shortness of breath or severe headache, they should seek medical attention immediately.”
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Serwer emphasized that people should not wait until complications develop to treat high blood pressure, even if there are no other symptoms besides high blood pressure.
“With early intervention, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and peripheral vascular disease can often be avoided,” he said.
The American Heart Association says that in most cases, lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight, can help keep blood pressure within a safe range. (iStock)
“Even if you’re healthy, know your blood pressure.”
The American Heart Association says that in most cases, lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight, can help keep blood pressure within a safe range.
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If necessary, your doctor can provide guidance on medications to treat high blood pressure that does not respond to lifestyle changes.
