Monitoring your blood pressure levels is a standard way to understand your heart health. If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, frequently checking your blood pressure levels becomes all the more crucial. However, in addition to how often you check your blood pressure levels, you must also pay attention to the position in which you take them—sitting, standing, or lying down.
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Rajat Mohan, Co-Chairperson - Cardiology, Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi, shares the most accurate position to read your blood pressure and the mistakes you should avoid if you’re checking them at home.
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Why Position Matters While Taking Blood Pressure Reading?
A lot depends on the positioning of your body and your arms when it comes to getting accurate blood pressure readings. This is because how you position yourself also affects the force of the blood flow and the pressure it has on the arteries, leading to incorrect diagnosis.
A research study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions conference in Philadelphia suggested that millions of people with normal blood pressure were "misclassified" as hypertensive due to improper positioning when measuring the blood pressure levels.
Dr Randy Wexler, author of the study and a primary care physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, said that being misclassified with high blood pressure can sometimes lead to unnecessary treatments, which can do more harm than good.
Therefore, it is extremely important to position yourself properly while taking a blood pressure reading.
Which Is The Best Position To Get Accurate Blood Pressure Reading?
Being in a seated position gives you the most accurate blood pressure reading, says Dr Mohan.
According to AHA guidelines, a patient should be seated in a chair with feet flat on the floor, their back supported, and the arm wearing the blood pressure cuff supported at heart level.
“Make sure the bottom of the cuff is directly above the bend of the elbow. Relax for about five minutes before taking a measurement. Resist the urge to talk or look at a cellphone," the health body adds.
Additionally, ensure that your bladder is empty, as a full one can temporarily raise blood pressure.
Discussing how the cuff should be tied, Dr Mohan says it should be a snug fit, approximately an inch above the elbow crease.
However, there have also been studies that showcase the benefits of taking blood pressure measurements while lying down. A study presented at the American Heart Association's Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2023 in Boston found that people with high blood pressure, or hypertension, got a better understanding of the risks associated with stroke, heart problems, and all-cause mortality while lying down than when they were seated.
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How To Ensure Accurate BP Readings At Home
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To get accurate and reliable blood pressure readings at home, here are a few guidelines to follow, according to Dr Mohan.
Before taking your blood pressure, rest quietly for 5-10 minutes. Avoid taking readings immediately after physical activity, such as climbing stairs.
Do not have stimulants like tea or coffee for at least 10 minutes before measuring your blood pressure.
While lying down can result in slightly lower readings compared to sitting, the AHA recommends taking blood pressure while sitting. Ensure you are sitting with your back supported and your feet flat on the floor.
By ensuring that you are following these basic guidelines, you can ensure an accurate blood pressure reading, especially when you’re taking it at home without any expert supervision.