common-blood-pressure-mistakes-leading-to-naccurate-readings

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Have you ever wondered if your blood pressure readings at home are accurate? Several key mistakes might be throwing off the accuracy of your blood pressure readings. The average “normal” blood pressure is 120/80, according to the American Heart Association, but almost half of all U.S. adults have elevated blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke if left untreated, according to the AHA. So, how can you ensure you are getting reliable blood pressure readings at home?

Using the wrong arm position
Research from Johns Hopkins Medicine has shown that certain arm positions can lead to inflated results and misdiagnoses of hypertension. For the most accurate results, it is recommended to rest your arm on a desk or another firm surface at the same level as your heart, according to Dr. Bradley Serwer, a Maryland-based cardiologist.

Sitting in the wrong position
To get an accurate blood pressure reading, it is essential to sit upright with your feet on the floor and your legs uncrossed, while resting your arm on a flat surface that is level with your heart, as advised by Dr. Serwer.

Using the wrong type or size of cuff
Dr. Serwer cautions that using the wrong type or size of cuff can lead to abnormal measurements. Arm cuffs tend to be more accurate and require fewer steps to ensure accuracy compared to wrist cuffs.

Not calibrating the cuff
To ensure the accuracy of your blood pressure monitor, Dr. Serwer recommends bringing your home cuff to the office for calibration. This step can help assess the accuracy of your cuff and ensure reliable readings.

Not allowing enough time to equilibrate
The most accurate blood pressure results are obtained after sitting in a low-stress environment for five minutes. It is crucial to be patient and give your body enough time to stabilize before taking a reading.

Drinking caffeine beforehand
Avoiding stimulants such as caffeine before measuring your blood pressure is essential, as they can raise your blood pressure, according to Dr. Serwer.

Checking at different times of day
To get a better trend of your blood pressure, Dr. Serwer recommends checking it twice at the same time each day and waiting at least one minute between measurements. Keeping a log of your blood pressure readings can help you and your healthcare provider track any concerning trends.

If you find that your average blood pressure reading is greater than 130/80, Dr. Serwer advises seeking evaluation from your primary care provider. And if your blood pressure is greater than 180/100 or if you experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe headache, immediate medical attention is necessary. Remember, early interventions can help prevent serious complications like heart attacks, strokes, and renal failure.

So, next time you take your blood pressure at home, make sure to follow these tips to get accurate readings and take control of your health. Your heart will thank you!