Reading This Article Could Lower Your Blood Pressure.
Did you know that having your arm in the wrong position during a blood pressure check can lead to higher readings? The result could be a misdiagnosis of high blood pressure and maybe even unnecessary treatment. What’s the correct way? Glad you asked. Simply support your arm on a table with the cuff at heart level. According to a study in JAMA Internal Medicine, when people rested their arm in their lap or let it hang by their side, the systolic reading (the top number) could be overestimated by up to 6.5 mm Hg, and the diastolic (bottom number) by up to 4.4 mm Hg. The takeaway: Be aware of proper arm positioning, especially when checking your blood pressure at home.
Medical Disclaimer: Heads up, gang. The information expressed here is not to be mistaken for medical advice. It’s merely a morsel of education for you to chew on, like a mental snack. If it sparks your interest, talk to a trusted health practitioner. It isn’t meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. And if you’re dealing with a medical emergency, good God, man, call 911 ASAP.
