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Incorrect testing methods might have misdiagnosed millions with high blood pressure
Millions of Americans might be living with misdiagnosed hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, if their doctor requested testing with the incorrect arm position.
High blood pressure is a very common health condition that roughly affects 1.28 billion adults aged 3079 worldwide. Not only is it a condition in and of itself, but hypertension has also been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimers, strokes, and even heart attacks.
Arm positioning can throw off blood pressure measurements
Considering hypertension is such a common condition we know a lot about it, from the fact green vegetables can reduce it to the role of coffee in high blood pressure. Unfortunately, most of us don’t know that screenings for hypertension can be disrupted by arm positioning.
New research from Johns Hopkins University has found just that, suggesting that 54 million Americans should go for another checkup. Their findings were published in JAMA Internal Medicine.
The troubling realization was reached by Dr. Tammy M. Brady and her team after 133 adults had their blood pressure measured multiple times in different arm positions including supported on a desk, resting on their lap, and hanging unsupported.
When resting their arm on their lap, participants showed readings overestimated four points for both the systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom) numbers.
A hanging arm was by far the worst, showing systolic overestimations of seven points and diastolic by nearly five. For those already experiencing hypertension, hanging their arm showed a nine-point overestimation in systolic blood pressure.
So how should you position your arm during a test?
While it’s a little disconcerting to learn that qualified medical professionals could be performing inaccurate blood pressure tests, official guidelines from the Mayo Clinic say you should rest your arm on a tabletop even with your heart.
We know that arm positioning can affect blood pressure readings for several reasons, the biggest being that gravity causes pressure to build in your arteries.
So next time you’re getting your blood pressure tested, ensure your arm is in the correct position to not be misdiagnosed with high blood pressure.
