When you go to the doctor, it's basically second nature to roll up your sleeves for a blood pressure reading. You've done it for as long as you can remember, right? The practice is an important one. The American Heart Association reports that hypertension is a common condition that's driving cardiovascular disease's dubious distinction as the No. 1 killer of U.S. adults. However, your doctor also might ask you to monitor your blood pressure at home, especially if you have or are at risk for developing hypertension. In fact, you might even get more accurate numbers from the comfort of your kitchen table.
"Blood pressure readings when taken at home provide a much more accurate and reliable measurement as compared to a single blood pressure reading taken at a doctor’s office, where you are likely to be anxious and possibly stressed from trying to find a parking space," shares Dr. Majid Basit, MD, a cardiologist with Memorial Hermann Medical Group.You may feel so seen right now. Cardiologists also want to see more people take this one important step when taking their blood pressure at home. Continue reading for the one thing never to skip when monitoring blood pressure outside of a doctor's office, along with some additional tips for getting the most accurate readings.
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Blood pressure readings contain two numbers: systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure."The systolic blood pressure, the top number in the reading, indicates the pressure against your blood vessels when the heart is pumping out blood," explains Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center.
The American Heart Association notes that a systolic blood pressure of less than 120 mmHg is considered normal. Anything consistently over 130 mm Hg puts a person in the hypertension range.
Underneath it, you'll see the equally important diastolic blood pressure. "This represents the pressure in your arteries when the heart is at rest," Dr. Basit reports.
Doctors will tell you that your systolic blood pressure is normal if it's less than 80 mm Hg. Readings consistently above 90 mmHg represent hypertension.
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Don’t Skip This Step When Taking Your Blood Pressure at Home, Cardiologists Warn
Cardiologists are pleading with people not to forget to take their blood pressure in both arms at home. "Checking blood pressure in both arms is an important clinical practice because it can help detect underlying vascular disease, improve diagnostic accuracy and guide safe and effective management," states Dr. Nina Williams, MD, a cardiologist at Saint Francis Heart and Vascular Institute.
Dr. Chen echoes these sentiments. "Recording the higher reading enables us to better target elevated blood pressure in people," he says.
A 2022 study published in TheJournal of Clinical Hypertension also suggested that taking blood pressure in both arms is the best way to determine who has high blood pressure accurately.
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Taking blood pressure in both arms can help uncover certain conditions that may go undetected if you only use one side when monitoring your numbers at home.
"Some people are born with a condition called coarctation of the aorta," reportsDr. Bradley Serwer, MD, an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company. "This is a narrowing or stricture in the aorta, typically before the [start] of the artery providing blood to the left arm."
He explains that a significant enough difference in the structure of the artery might lower your left arm's blood pressure. "When screening for this condition, we look for a pressure difference of more than 10 to 15 mm Hg."
On the right side, a difference in blood pressure might signify what's known as peripheral vascular disease. "Peripheral vascular disease can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, which limits the flow of blood to the arm and hand," Dr. Serwer notes. "This can lead to lower blood pressure readings in the affected limb."
Also? A difference in blood pressure might be your version of normal. "It is very common to have slight variations in blood pressure, even if taken at the same time," he explains.
Dr. Williams also points out that it's not only normal but healthy to have different blood pressure readings throughout the day. "These variations help the body respond to certain conditions."
He says some common reasons for blood pressure fluctuations are:
Physical activityStressMeals/digestionThe temperature of your environmentMedicationsHydration (or dehydration)Hormonal changesRelated: The Fruit Cardiologists Say You Should Eat Every Day for a More Resilient Heart
What To Do if Your Blood Pressure Is Higher in One or Both Arms
In most cases, cardiologists suggest a do-over. "If you do notice that there is a significant difference in the blood pressure from one arm to the other, I would recommend checking the blood pressure again to see if it was an error," Dr. Basit says.
Dr. Serwer agrees, clarifying that it's still important to keep your care team in the loop: "If there is a large difference in blood pressure in both arms when taken on several measurements, check with your physician, who may order additional testing to determine the cause."
Now, there's a big caveat here: Some blood pressure readings—in one or both arms—require closer and sometimes even fast attention. "If you consistently get elevated blood pressure readings—over 130/80 mm HG—at home, you should bring it up with your doctor at your next visit," Dr. Chen explains. "Extremely high readings—such as 180/120 or over—‚can be a medical emergency that you should get immediate medical attention for."
Additionally, Dr. Williams urges people to seek urgent care if they have readings below 90/60 mm Hg alongside other symptoms like dizziness or fainting.
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Cardiologists say other important steps can help you get the most accurate blood pressure reading at home. Dr. Basit advises that you:
Avoid smoking, drinking caffeinated beverages or exercising about a half hour before taking your blood pressure.Try to apply the blood pressure cuff onto bare skin rather than over clothing.Stay still and do not speak (Dr. Basit emphasizes that this one is important because fidgeting and talking "can disrupt the mechanism used by the blood pressure machine.")Sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor and your legs uncrossed. Position the blood pressure cuff on the upper arm located at the level of your heart.Avoid wrist cuffs, which are less accurate.Ensure the cuff size is right for you.Take your blood pressure in the morning and before sleep.Check your blood pressure twice and take the average.Taking a beat between readings is also useful. "Check the blood pressure two times and wait at least one minute between measurements," Dr. Serwer suggests.
Importantly, doctors will also look for a trend in your blood pressure in both arms—because now you know to take that crucial step.
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Sources:
Heart and Stroke Statistics. American Heart Association.Dr. Majid Basit, MD, a cardiologist with Memorial Hermann Medical GroupDr. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical CenterHome Blood Pressure Monitoring. American Heart Association.Dr. Nina Williams, MD, a cardiologist at Saint Francis Heart and Vascular InstituteClinical relevance of double‐arm blood pressure measurement and prevalence of clinically important inter‐arm blood pressure differences in Indian primary care. TheJournal of Clinical Hypertension.Dr. Bradley Serwer, MD, an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health companyHence then, the article about cardiologists are begging you to never skip one thing when checking your blood pressure at home was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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