Think your blood pressure reading is accurate? Think again. Small, common mistakes during a routine check may lead to inaccurate readings and misdiagnosis.
Blood pressure readings are a cornerstone of heart health, but research shows they’re often inaccurate. Even a minor error can shift a reading into the hypertensive range, affecting millions of people’s reading and potentially leading to unnecessary treatments and medications. Recognizing common pitfalls—and how to avoid them—can make all the difference.
Accuracy in Question
Most of us trust the quick blood pressure checks at the doctor’s office. But a 2021 study in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggests that trust may be misplaced. Only 1 in 5 cardiologists—excluding preventive cardiologists—follow the recommended guidelines for taking blood pressure despite having confidence in their technique. Preventive cardiologists manage heart disease risk factors before they worsen....
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