Recent studies have found that inaccurate blood pressure readings are widespread, leading to misdiagnosis and improper management of hypertension.
Believe your blood pressure reading is correct? Think again. Common errors during routine checks can result in inaccurate readings and misdiagnoses.
Questioning Accuracy
Although many of us trust the quick blood pressure checks at the doctor’s office, a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology in 2021 suggests that this trust may be misplaced. The study found that only 1 in 5 cardiologists adhere to recommended guidelines for blood pressure measurement, despite their confidence in their technique. Preventive cardiologists, who focus on managing heart disease risk factors before they escalate, are particularly concerned about this issue.
Dr. Sean Lucan, a family physician and preventive medicine researcher, emphasized the prevalence of these issues.
“I recall having my blood pressure checked accurately only once, at my primary care provider’s office,” he told The Epoch Times. “This is a significant problem, and it may be due to rushing or inadequate training.”
Training deficiencies play a role in this problem. Blood pressure measurement is typically taught only once in medical or nursing school, with minimal follow-up. Additionally, many measurements are conducted by medical technicians or support staff, who may have received less formal training compared to doctors and nurses.
“The issue isn’t limited to clinical staff,” Lucan added. “It extends to patients using home cuffs without proper education.”
These recurrent errors can lead to overdiagnosis and unnecessary medication.
Causes of Inaccurate Blood Pressure Readings
1. Incorrect Arm Position
Research from Johns Hopkins published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that where you place your arm during a blood pressure check can significantly impact the reading, with unsupported arm positions leading to higher readings.
According to the study, systolic and diastolic readings can be nearly 4 mm Hg higher when the arm rests on the lap compared to the recommended position of being supported at heart level. Unsupported arms at the side resulted in even greater discrepancies.
2. Incorrect Cuff Size
One of the simplest yet frequently overlooked factors in blood pressure measurement is cuff size. Blood pressure cuffs come in various sizes, and an accurate reading requires the cuff to fit the patient’s arm correctly.
Researchers discovered that middle-aged women experienced an average increase of 4.2 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and 2.8 mm Hg in diastolic pressure when holding a full bladder compared to after emptying it. This increase was most noticeable after three hours, indicating that the discomfort and tension from a full bladder, rather than the duration, had the most significant impact on blood pressure.
For individuals experiencing white coat hypertension, a visit to the doctor’s office can lead to a spike in blood pressure readings due to anxiety. This temporary increase, which can elevate systolic readings by up to 10–20 mm Hg, is managed by allowing patients time to relax and repeating measurements. Studies support this approach, showing that reducing anxiety can lead to more accurate results.
Inaccurate blood pressure readings can result in unnecessary treatments and stress for patients. Misdiagnosed hypertension may lead to the unnecessary prescription of lifelong medications with potential side effects. To address this issue, national organizations have launched initiatives to improve blood pressure management, emphasizing the importance of accurate measurement techniques and out-of-office self-monitoring.
Experts recommend that patients monitor their blood pressure at home in addition to clinic readings. Home blood pressure monitoring provides a day-to-day view of trends, allowing for more accurate treatment decisions. Studies have shown that home monitoring is more reliable and closely linked to heart health indicators than clinic measurements.
To ensure accurate blood pressure readings, individuals should follow simple steps such as using the restroom before measurement, avoiding stimulants, staying calm, positioning themselves correctly, using the right cuff size, and repeating readings if necessary. By emphasizing these fundamentals, both patients and healthcare providers can ensure more reliable blood pressure measurements. Could you please rewrite this sentence?
Source link
