A new study by scientists from the University of Johns Hopkins revealed that the arm position in the home blood pressure measurement greatly affects the results. The wrong position can make blood pressure values higher than it is. Experts emphasize that the arm should be supported in the table or seat for the correct measurement.
The position of the arm changes the results
Dr. Johns Hopkins University Faculty of Medicine. Tammy Brady emphasized the importance of the position of the arm for the right measurement. Dr. “Patients need to follow their health status correctly. The arm is in the wrong position, may lead to serious deviations in blood pressure values, Bra said Brady.
In the study, the positions on the table, knee or side of the arm in which the blood pressure device was attached were compared.
The results showed that blood pressure values are significantly high in cases where the arm was released on the knee or on the side.
Warning from the American Heart Health Association
The American Heart Health Association (AHA) has long stresses that the arm should be supported at the heart level and on the table in blood pressure measurement. In the study, experiments on 133 adults between the ages of 18-80 confirmed that the blood pressure was accidentally measured when the arm was not supported. Sherry Liu of the research team, “regular measurements in the wrong position can cause unnecessary health concerns,” he pointed out the importance of the right measurement.
What should be considered for correct measurement?
Scientists said that the blood pressure device should be fully sitting around the arm, support the back, the feet should steppe on the ground and the arm should be fixed on the table or seat. According to AHA’s instructions, the measurement results may be misleading if these rules are not followed. Experts warn that especially the release of the arm or kept on the knee can make blood pressure values higher than it is.
ATTENTION AT HOME BLOODS pressure measurement
The work of Johns Hopkins University is an important guide for millions of people who measure blood pressure at home. Scientists emphasize that the right position not only provides more reliable results, but also reduces the risk of misdiagnosis. It is once again reminded that those who measure blood pressure at home should keep their arms in a supported position by following AHA’s suggestions.