7 blood pressure mistakes that can mess up your readings

Several key errors can reduce accuracy Blood pressure readings For people who take it at home.

Average “normal” blood pressure is 120/80, according to the American Heart Association.

Nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure (systolic pressure between 120 and 19 and diastolic pressure below 80). High blood pressure (high blood pressure, when systolic pressure is between 130 and 139 or diastolic pressure is between 80 and 89) can increase your risk heart attack And stroke if left untreated, according to the American Heart Association.

Study: Just 5 minutes of exercise can reduce high blood pressure

“It’s very common to see patients who have poor data,” said Dr. Bradley Serwer, a Maryland cardiologist and chief medical officer of VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company that provides cardiovascular and anesthesia services to hospitals.

Average “normal” blood pressure is 120/80, according to the American Heart Association. (Istock)

“It is essential 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 can lead to inflated results and misdiagnosis of high blood pressure. This has been supported by recent research conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Blood pressure is “higher than normal” for 1 in 7 children, according to the American Heart Association

People who placed their arms on their lap raised the top number in their blood pressure reading (systolic pressure) by about 4 mmHg, while leaving their arm hanging at their side increased it by about 7 mmHg.

For most Accurate resultsThe guidelines are to place the arm on a desk or other stable surface at the same level as the heart, Serwer told Fox News Digital.

2. Sitting in the wrong position

“Proper posture is to sit upright with your feet on the floor and your legs uncrossed, with your arm resting on a flat surface at your heart level,” Serwer advises.

Research has shown that certain arm positions can lead to inflated findings and misdiagnosis of high blood pressure. (Istock)

3. Using the wrong type or size of cuff

The cardiologist warned that if the cuff size was too large or too small, the measurements would be abnormal.

“Most blood pressure monitors use either 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 calibrating the cuff

Serwer said he typically asks all patients to bring their home cuff to the office, where he first measures their blood pressure manually and then uses the patient’s own cuff.

“We can then evaluate their cuff accuracy,” he said.

5. Not allowing enough time for balance

The most accurate results are obtained after sitting Low stress environment Serwer noted for five minutes.

“Know your blood pressure, even if you are healthy.”

6. Drink caffeine beforehand

“Avoid stimulants before taking your blood pressure, because caffeine will raise it,” Serwer said.

7. Check 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 fluctuates throughout the day, so checking our blood pressure at the same time every day gives us a better trend,” he added.

Serwer also advises his patients to track their condition Blood pressure readings In a log.

“If the average blood pressure reading is greater than 130/80, they have stage 1 hypertension and should be evaluated by their primary care provider,” the cardiologist said. (Istock)

“If their average blood pressure reading is greater than 130/80, that means they have stage 1 hypertension and should be evaluated by their primary care provider,” he said.

“If their blood pressure is greater than 180/100 or if they develop symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, or Severe headache“They should demand 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 develop complications before treating high blood pressure.

“Heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and peripheral vascular disease can often be avoided with early interventions,” he said.

In most cases, making 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 American Heart Association. (Istock)

“Know your blood pressure, even if you are healthy.”

In most cases, made 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 American Heart Association.

For more health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

When necessary, a doctor can provide guidance On medications To treat high blood pressure that does not respond to lifestyle changes.