Many people measure their blood pressure at home to keep track of their health.
However, a study from Johns Hopkins Medicine shows that even the position of your arm can affect the result and lead to misleading readings, according to Deník.
High blood pressure is a hidden risk
High blood pressure can lead to serious cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.
The problem is that the condition often does not cause obvious symptoms for a long time.
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Symptoms can be difficult to recognize
When symptoms do appear, they may include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, or vision problems.
However, many people do not necessarily associate these signs with their blood pressure.
Some people discover the problem late
For some individuals, no symptoms occur until serious health complications have already developed.
Regular monitoring is important
Regular blood pressure checks are the best way to detect elevated values in time, especially for people over the age of 55.
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Measuring at home can be beneficial
It is not recommended to rely solely on measurements taken by your doctor. A long period may pass between appointments, and blood pressure can change in the meantime.
The white coat effect can influence results
Some people record higher blood pressure readings at the doctor's office than at home. This phenomenon is associated with stress and anxiety related to medical visits, according to Harvard Health Publishing.
Incorrect use of the device can cause errors
Even accurate blood pressure monitors can display readings that are too high if they are not used correctly during measurement.
Arm position plays a major role
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University found that arm position during measurement affects the results more than many people realize.
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Incorrect arm position can increase readings
The study showed that an unsuitable arm position can make systolic blood pressure appear up to 6.5 mmHg higher than it actually is.
Supporting the arm on a table gives the most accurate results
Researchers compared measurements taken with the arm resting on a table, in the lap, and hanging by the side of the body. The most accurate readings were obtained when the arm was supported on a table.
The lap produced higher readings
When the arm rested in the lap during measurement, recorded values were on average 3.9 mmHg higher than those obtained using the recommended position.
The arm hanging by the side produced the greatest deviations
Measurements taken with the arm hanging down by the side showed the highest values on average, up to 6.5 mmHg higher than measurements taken with the arm supported on a table.
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A calm environment improves accuracy
The Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine recommends measuring blood pressure in a quiet room and avoiding conversation during the measurement itself.
Correct body posture is necessary
Before taking a measurement, you should sit comfortably in a chair with back support, keep both feet flat on the floor, and rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
Coffee, alcohol, and exercise should be avoided
Smoking, exercise, coffee, and alcohol should be avoided for at least 30 minutes before measurement to prevent the result from being affected.
The arm should be at heart level
During measurement, the arm should be relaxed, supported on a surface, and positioned at heart level with the palm facing upward.
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Multiple measurements provide a better result
Blood pressure is usually measured two to three times, and the final result is calculated as the average of the second and third measurements.
Sources: Deník, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Harvard Health Publishing, and the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine.