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A new report reveals that inaccurate blood pressure readings, caused by improper measurement techniques, may hinder efforts to combat cardiovascular diseases. Both patients and healthcare professionals often skip crucial steps necessary for obtaining accurate results, leading to readings that deviate from true blood pressure levels. Factors such as posture, arm positioning, recent consumption of caffeine, and casual conversation during measurements can skew results.
“To really make a dent at improving people’s cardiovascular health, we need to screen and treat people for hypertension, but we need to do it correctly,” said Dr. Tammy Brady, a pediatric nephrologist at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. She emphasized that accurate readings are essential for preventing severe health issues, including heart attacks and strokes.
Best Practices for Accurate Readings
Guidelines from the American Heart Association and other organizations outline key steps for accurate blood pressure measurement:
- Proper Sitting Posture: The patient should sit with both feet flat on the ground, legs uncrossed, and back straight.
- Arm Positioning: The arm should rest on a table or other surface, with the cuff positioned over the bare arm at heart level.
- Avoid Distractions: Patients should refrain from talking, using their phone, or engaging in other activities during the measurement.
- Bladder Considerations: Ensure the bladder is empty before taking a reading.
- Multiple Measurements: Blood pressure should be measured at least twice during a single sitting to ensure accuracy.
Exercise as a Complementary Strategy
Beyond proper measurement techniques, physical activity has emerged as an effective strategy for lowering blood pressure. Last month, a study published by an international academic collaboration, led by the University of Sydney and University College London, suggested that even five minutes of daily physical activity, such as walking uphill or climbing stairs, can help reduce blood pressure.
According to the study by the Prospective Physical Activity, Sitting and Sleep (ProPASS) Consortium, replacing sedentary behavior with 20-27 minutes of daily exercise can lead to clinically significant reductions in blood pressure. “High blood pressure is one of the biggest health issues globally, but unlike some major causes of cardiovascular mortality, there may be relatively accessible ways to tackle the problem in addition to medication,” said Emmanuel Stamatakis, Director of the ProPASS Consortium.
The research analyzed data from 14,761 participants, finding that incorporating just 20 minutes of daily exercise could reduce cardiovascular disease incidence by 28%.
A Global Concern
The World Health Organization estimates that 1.28 billion adults worldwide aged 30-79 suffer from hypertension, with 46% of affected individuals unaware of their condition. Accurate blood pressure readings, combined with lifestyle changes like increased physical activity, are crucial in addressing this global health crisis.
