Cardiologists explain the right way to measure blood pressure at home (and prevent misdiagnosis and wrong medication)
Accurate blood pressure readings are crucial for health management. Incorrect techniques can lead to skewed results, potentially misdiagnosing hypertension or prompting unnecessary medication adjustments. Following proper guidelines, such as correct posture, arm support, cuff size, and multiple readings, ensures reliable measurements. Regular monitoring and device verification with a doctor are also recommended.Read More
Getting your blood pressure checked might seem like a small task, but done incorrectly, it can throw off your numbers by 10% or more. That may not sound like much—but it’s enough to disguise high blood pressure, trigger unnecessary medications, or mislead your doctor into changing your dose.
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Cardiologist Dmitry Yaranov, MD, summed it up perfectly in an Instagram post: “You’re not checking your blood pressure — you’re just watching numbers change.”
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So before you panic over “high” readings or relax over normal ones, here’s how to do it right, following guidelines used by doctors around the world. You can also keep a log to maintain a record and understand what is driving the fluctuation in your blood pressure.
Sit properly: back supported, feet flat
Your posture makes a difference. Sit in a chair with your back supported and your feet planted flat on the floor—not crossed. Rest your arm on a table so that your elbow is roughly at heart level. If your legs are crossed or you’re slouched, your reading could be higher than it really is.
Poll
Have you ever experienced anxiety due to a high blood pressure reading?
Yes, it made me panicNo, I stayed calm and waited
Rest quietly for 5 minutes
Don’t take a reading immediately after exercise, a heated argument, or even a strong coffee. Give your body a full five minutes to settle.
