Did you know that there are at least seven overlooked factors that could dangerously alter your blood pressure readings?
A Lagos based Consultant Cardiologist, Dr. Fabian Onwudiwe recently told FirstNigeriaTV that some of those unconsidered factors have actually led to premature or unexpected deaths.
According to him, the following are the factors:
*Use of invalidated oscillometric monitor- these are mostly wrist monitors which are usually ineffective, giving false readings. Wrist monitors are significantly less accurate due to smaller artery calibre and extreme position sensitivity. A validated upper arm oscillometric monitor is more appropriate.
*Not emptying the bladder before measurements- A full bladder raises BP measurements by 10-20mmHg.
*Wrong arm positioning- The measuring arm must be supported on a flat surface at heart level – not held in the air, not resting in the lap. Holding the arm unsupported activates shoulder and upper arm muscles raising BP by 10mmHg.
*Inappropriate Cuff Application- Cuff must be applied on bare skin, not over clothing and lower cuff edge must be about 2 to 3cm above elbow grease and cuff must not be too loose or too tight.
*Wrongly taking readings- After taking a first reading, a moment of about one minute should be allowed before taking the second reading and the average of the two readings give optimum result.
*Wrong timing of measurement- Before a morning measurement is taken, ensure you don’t take anything except water of about 400-500ml and take a rest of about five minutes before measurement. Evening measurements should be taken 30-60 minutes after dinner.
*Wrong data interpretation- Clinical decisions should never be based on single readings and a seven-day separate morning and evening readings must be evaluated before any clinical decision is taken.
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