Posted on 01/02/2024 8:37:05 PM PST by ConservativeMind
Millions of people with normal blood pressure may be misclassified as having blood pressure that is too high because of improper positioning when measurements are taken, research suggests.
Guidelines call for a patient to be seated in a chair with feet flat on the floor, their back supported and the arm wearing the blood pressure cuff supported at heart level. Doing so helps ensure an accurate reading. But many health care professionals take blood pressure measurements while the patient is seated on an examining table, leaving their legs to dangle and their back and arm unsupported.
Being misclassified with high blood pressure, also called hypertension, can lead to "people undergoing treatment who don't need it," Wexler said.
In the study, 150 adults were randomly assigned to one of three groups. In one group, blood pressure readings were taken on a fixed-height exam table and then in an exam chair with adjustable positioning. A second group had the same readings taken in reverse order. A third group had both sets of readings taken in the exam chair. There was a rest period before each set of readings. Results were pooled and the average of three measurements taken on the table were compared to the average of those taken in the chair.
For readings taken on the exam table, the average systolic (top number) blood pressure was 7 mmHg higher and the average diastolic (bottom number) reading was 4.5 mmHg higher than those taken seated in the chair, adhering to guideline-recommended positioning. The researchers concluded this difference was large enough to misclassify millions of people as having hypertension whose blood pressure was actually within the normal range.
Hypertension is diagnosed when measurements consistently reach or exceed 130 mmHg systolic or 80 mmHg diastolic.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
My blood pressure is lower standing than sitting down, simply due to this tightening while sitting down, after eating a decent sized meal.
I can also attest to it changing my own eye pressure six mm Hg, between tight clothes and loosened clothes.
Guys, get pants that can expand out and get a belt that allows you to let it out in tiny steps, as these new ratchet belts allow.
Just crossing your legs gets different reading
I’ll try to remember this next time I go to the doctor.
I’m on a few meds now.
The anxiety of just being in a doctor’s office raises my blood pressure...
“Oh, Lordy, what are they going to find wrong with me now?”
I do suspect that BP errors occur for several reasons ( and few of any result in a lower result.)
I'd love to compose a comprehensive listing of considerations (strategies) for patients to ensure an accurate in-office reading.
As one who is gifted with 'white coat' syndrome, I have an interest in whatever might lead me to lower in-office (and more accurate) readings. My home readings are just fine, of course.
The anxiety of just being in a doctor’s office raises my blood pressure...
>>>It also makes a tremendous difference for me whether my BP is taken in the much more gentle way with a softer cuff and stethoscope rather than those horrid suction machines that make you feel like your arm is about to break . . .
Most of the time, my providers are satisfied with my readings since I’ve been taking Lisinopril for about a decade now. Generally 130 over 70.
CM, Thanks for posting!
I recently figured out that it’s good for me to sit in that waiting room or examination room before being seen by the doctor. It gives me time to settle down.
Also, while I’m waiting, I try to visualize something that makes me feel calm and comfortable, like being at the beach, or sitting in a hammock just being lazy. I think it’s helped my blood pressure drop several points.
So for me, it’s either these techniques are helping, or the supplements I’m taking somehow manage to lower my BP.
Insist on a “manual” blood pressure! The machines can be wildly inaccurate!
“White Coat Hypertension”
I had an exam required for employment in Denver. I was sitting on the exam table with my feet dangling. A nurse came in carrying a large tray with only a very large blood drawing syringe in the middle. She carried right it in front of me, then took my pulse.
The doctor came in later, looked at the chart, let out a guttural sound, then took my pulse himself. I suspect that she had pulled that stunt in the past.
I dieted and went from 202 pounds down to 169. BP was very high.
Once I got below 185 my BP was perfect. Above 185 I need meds.
Also, I think too much salt will drive it back up.
My BP is now 120 over 80, to 125 over 85.
Best way to good health, drop weight and do not smoke.
My cholesterol also dropped to perfect levels.
And if you take it with a cheapie $49.99 Wal-Mart Special, you will get much higher inaccurate results.
Same thing happens if you take it manually with a cuff and a stethascope.
BP is just not a precise number.
stethoscope
Also room temp can raise blood pressure. If you are in a cold air conditioned room or the BP cuff is cold ,your pressure is goin to go up. I have also seen people taking it with the cuff over clothes. That will give an inaccurate reading. You should roll the sleeve up, but don’t make it tight.
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