Do You Have High Blood Pressure? Maybe You Don’t!
It depends on how it gets measured
Having been involved in fitness and sport over many years, and now living healthily in my retirement years, I have regularly had my blood pressure checked over time, as well as self-monitoring at home.
I know from first-hand experience that many of the methods used by so-called professionals are less than professional, and these have not been isolated occasions, whether this has been done in clinics, surgeries or sports facilities.
There are a set of standards which are generally accepted in USA and Europe, which I will list at the end of this article. See how many have been adhered to the last time you had yourself checked for HBP.
Of course, not all medics are unskilled or careless, but when people are being prescribed life altering drugs to take for the rest of their natural life based on inaccurate or just downright wrong measurements, it just beggars belief.
On a personal basis, I have had my BP checked in the following circumstances:
• immediately after walking the 2 miles from home to the surgery
• being asked which arm I preferred for the cuff
• the nurse chatting to me about politics throughout the test
• never been asked what I had consumed in the hour previous
• cuff so tight it was hurting
• after a high reading, asking it to be taken again, and getting 3 different results
Remember that after you are deemed to be above the accepted “normal” blood pressure figure and having “hypertension”, you are likely to be prescribed strong medication which generally you will need to take indefinitely, and can be a mixture of drugs such as an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (e.g. Ramapril), a beta-blocker (e.g. Bisoprolol), a blood thinner (e.g. Clopidogrel), and perhaps a statin or two.
Few people on this cocktail will be very fortunate if they don’t have at least some side-effects from them.
It’s shocking to think that a percentage of the people (possibly quite a high percentage) do not need to be taking these due to faulty measuring techniques, or lack of proper understanding by medics.
Here are the proper methods and guidance for having blood pressure measurements taken, using the normal cuff apparatus found in local surgeries and clinics, or using a dependable home machine:
Use the Proper Technique
• Use the left arm, not the right, unless you have a reason to use the right like a medical condition.
• Don’t place the cuff over clothing — it should go directly on bare skin.
• Make sure the cuff fits snugly by using the artery marker on the cuff to position it correctly. You should be able to insert two fingers between the cuff and your arm.
• Keep your arm raised to heart level and supported on a surface with feet flat on the floor.
• Sit quietly without moving or talking while the reading is taken.
Check Your Environment
• Take readings before caffeine, exercise, eating and after using the bathroom when possible.
• Find a quiet, relaxing space without distractions.
• Make sure your body temperature is neutral — not too hot or cold.
• Allow 5–10 minutes of rest before taking a reading.
Use Quality Equipment
• Invest in a high quality home monitor and properly sized arm cuff.
• Have your monitor calibrated every 1–2 years to ensure accuracy.
• Replace monitors and cuffs that are old or worn out.
• Make sure the monitor is using fresh batteries.
Take Multiple Readings
• Don’t rely on a single high reading to diagnose high blood pressure.
• Take 2–3 readings, 1–2 minutes apart, and record the average.
• Monitor your blood pressure over several days and different times.
Check how many of these were not done the last time you were checked. For example, having a full bladder can dramatically affect your readings, were you asked if you needed the restroom?
I think not!
These are my own personal observations, your own may differ.
This content is created for informational/educational purposes only and not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your own personal doctor regarding any matters that you see on the internet. The information provided is for general educational/informative purposes only. If you are concerned about actual symptoms or complaints, consult with your own physician. Symptoms can result from a number of disorders, none of which can be diagnosed over the internet. Seek appropriate medical care. Any advice here is not to be considered a patient-doctor relationship.
