A new study suggests that blood pressure readings may not be accurate unless a person’s arm is positioned correctly. The study compared blood pressure readings taken with arms in different positions and found that certain positions could lead to a significant increase in systolic pressure, which is the upper number in a blood pressure reading. This increase could result in more diagnoses of hypertension and unnecessary prescriptions for medication.
The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that when people had their arms hanging by their sides during the reading, their systolic pressure was significantly higher compared to when their arms were supported. The differences in readings based on arm position can lead to misdiagnosis of hypertension, which can result in patients receiving medication they don’t need.
Healthcare professionals stress the importance of proper blood pressure measurement technique to ensure accurate readings and avoid unnecessary medication. Patients are advised to be aware of proper blood pressure measurement and advocate for themselves if they feel readings are inaccurate. The findings of the study highlight the real-world implications of arm position on blood pressure readings and the importance of accurate measurements for effective treatment.
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