There systolic pressure measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, and is represented by the first and highest number in the blood pressure reading.
There diastolic pressureon the other hand, is the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats, it is the lowest number in the reading.
Based on this, thehypertension Stage 1 hypertension occurs when systolic blood pressure is between 130 and 139 or diastolic blood pressure is between 80 and 89. Stage 2 hypertension is a systolic blood pressure of 140 or more and a diastolic blood pressure of 90 or more .
The researchers of Johns Hopkins Medicine claim that accurate blood pressure readings depend on correct arm positioning – and many patients and even professionals are wrong.
The study
Nello studypublished on JAMA Internal Medicineresearchers compared the blood pressure readings of 133 adults who held their arms in three different positions:
- rest on your knees
- rest on a surface
- hanging at their side.
They found that some placements corresponded to a dramatic increase in systolic blood pressure.
The research team found that when participants had their arms at their sides, their systolic blood pressure was 6.5 points higher and their diastolic blood pressure was 4.4 points higher.
Abdominal support overestimated the systolic pressure of 3.9 points and diastolic pressure of 4 points.
Dr. Tammy Brady, pediatric epidemiologist and medical director of the pediatric hypertension program at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Centerwas surprised by her findings.
He noted that blood pressure discrepancies can lead to misdiagnosis of hypertension and prescribing medications that patients don’t need, which can create unwanted side effects.
One of my hopes is that this will help inform patients how to measure their blood pressure themselves and also tell their doctor what the right way to measure it is.
The position recommended byAmerican Heart Association for an accurate blood pressure reading it is with your feet flat on the floor, your back supported with your arms resting on a surface and the cuff positioned at heart level.
The study that warns about devices for measuring blood pressure: unreliable if used like this
Source: JAMA Internal Medicine
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