Several key errors could affect accuracy blood pressure readings for people who take them home.
The average “normal” blood pressure is 120/80, according to the American Heart Association.
Almost half of all adults in the US have high blood pressure (systolic pressure between 120 and 19, and diastolic pressure less than 80). High blood pressure (hypertension, when the systolic pressure is between 130 and 139 or the diastolic pressure between 80 and 89) can increase 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 cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company that provides cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals.
The average “normal” blood pressure is 120/80, according to the American Heart Association. (iStock)
“It is critical to follow the correct standardized instructions.”
A cardiologist shared with Fox News Digital the following common mistakes patients often see when monitoring their blood pressure.
1. Using the wrong hand position
Certain hand positions can lead to inflated results and misdiagnosis of hypertension. This is supported by recent research from Johns Hopkins Medicine.
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People who placed their arms on their laps raised the highest number in their blood pressure reading (systolic pressure) by nearly 4 mmHg, while leaving their arms hanging at their sides raised it by nearly 7 mmHg.
For the majority accurate resultsguidelines are to rest your hand on a table or other firm surface at the same level as your heart, Serwer told Fox News Digital.
2. Sitting in the wrong position
“The correct position is to sit upright with your feet on the floor and your legs uncrossed, resting your hand on a flat surface that is level with your heart,” advises Serwer.
Certain hand positions can lead to inflated results and misdiagnosis of hypertension, research has found. (iStock)
3. Using the wrong type or size of cuff
If the cuff is too big or small, the measurements will be abnormal, the cardiologist warned.
“Most blood pressure monitors use either an arm cuff or a wrist cuff,” he said. “Hand strokes tend to be more accurate and require fewer steps to ensure accuracy.”
4. The cuff is not calibrated
Serwer said he typically asks all patients to bring their home cuffs to the office, where he first takes their blood pressure manually and then uses the patient’s cuff.
“Then we can assess the accuracy of their cuff,” he said.
5. Not allowing enough time to rebalance
The most accurate results are obtained after sitting ua low stress environment five minutes, Serwer noted.
“Know your blood pressure, even if you’re healthy.”
6. Drinking caffeine beforehand
Avoid stimulants before taking your blood pressure because caffeine will raise it, Serwer said.
7. Checking at different times of the day
When measuring blood pressure, Serwer recommends checking it twice and waiting at least one minute between measurements.
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“Blood pressure varies throughout the day, so checking your blood pressure at the same time each day gives a better trend,” he added.
Serwer also advises her patients to monitor theirs blood pressure readings in the diary.
“If the average blood pressure reading is greater than 130/80, they have stage I hypertension and should be seen by their primary care provider,” the cardiologist said. (iStock)
“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,” he said.
“If their blood pressure is higher than 180/100 or if they have symptoms of chest pain, difficulty breathing or severe headachethey should seek help immediately.”
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Even if there are no symptoms other than high blood pressure, Serwer stresses that people should not wait until complications arise before treating hypertension.
“Heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and peripheral vascular disease are often preventable with early interventions,” he said.
In most cases, lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight, can help keep your blood pressure within a safe range, according to the AHA. (iStock)
“Know your blood pressure, even if you’re healthy.”
In most cases, manufacturing lifestyle changes things like improving your diet, getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can help keep your blood pressure within a safe range, according to the AHA.
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When necessary, the doctor can provide guidance on medication for the treatment of hypertension unresponsive to lifestyle changes.
