7 common errors that may affect your blood pressure readings

Home blood pressure readings may be inaccurate if several key mistakes are made.

According to the American Heart Association, the typical "normal" blood pressure is 120/80.

Over 40% of American adults have high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke if not managed properly, according to the AHA.

Dr. Bradley Serwer, a cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, stated that it is common to see patients with inaccurate data.

"It is essential to follow the proper standardized instructions."

A cardiologist frequently shares with Planet Chronicle Digital the typical errors patients commit when monitoring their blood pressure.

1. Using the wrong arm position

Recent research from Johns Hopkins Medicine showed that certain arm positions can lead to inflated results and misdiagnoses of hypertension.

By resting their arms on their laps, individuals increased their systolic blood pressure reading by nearly 4 mmHg, while leaving their arms hanging at their side resulted in an increase of nearly 7 mmHg.

Serwer advised resting the arm on a firm surface at the same level as the heart for the most accurate results, according to Planet Chronicle Digital.

2. Sitting in the wrong position

Serwer advised sitting upright with feet on the floor and legs uncrossed, resting an arm on a flat surface at heart level.

3. Using the wrong type or size of cuff

The cardiologist warned that if the cuff size is not right, the measurements will be incorrect.

""Arm cuffs are more accurate and require fewer steps to ensure accuracy, as most blood pressure monitors use them," he stated."

4. Not calibrating the cuff

Serwer usually takes the patient's home cuff to measure their blood pressure manually before using it.

"We can evaluate the precision of their cuff," he stated.

5. Not allowing enough time to equilibrate

After sitting in a low-stress environment for five minutes, Serwer observed that the most accurate results were obtained.

"Know your blood pressure, even if you are healthy."

6. Drinking caffeine beforehand

Measuring your pressure accurately requires avoiding stimulants, especially caffeine, as it can increase it, Serwer advised.

7. Checking at different times of day

Serwer advises to check blood pressure twice with a one-minute interval between measurements.

"By consistently checking your blood pressure at the same time daily, we can better track any trends," he stated.

Serwer advises his patients to log their blood pressure readings.

He stated that if the average blood pressure reading exceeds 130/80, it indicates stage I hypertension and requires evaluation by the primary care provider.

"Those with blood pressure over 180/100 or experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe headaches should seek immediate medical attention."

Serwer advises that people shouldn't wait for complications to arise before treating hypertension, even if there are no other symptoms besides high blood pressure.

Early interventions can prevent heart attacks, strokes, renal failure, and peripheral vascular disease, according to him.

"Know your blood pressure, even if you are healthy."

According to the AHA, making lifestyle changes like improving your diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight can help keep blood pressure within a safe range.

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A doctor can suggest medications to treat hypertension that does not improve with lifestyle changes.