You might be skewing your blood pressure reading

Blood pressure is a critical vital sign that gives health care providers an insight into not only your overall health, but your cardiovascular health. When the cuff comes off and you are told your blood pressure is high, don’t panic. It might be as simple as repeating the reading.

Your blood pressure measures the force needed for your heart to successfully pump blood through your veins to various areas of the body. A healthy reading is considered 120/80 mm Hg.

“An accurate blood pressure reading is important because it helps your health care provider decide next steps, such as a treatment plan,” explains Dr. Leila Patterson, a family medicine physician at Advocate Health Care. “You blood pressure history is also a determining factor of whether you should be diagnosed with hypertension and considered at a higher risk for certain health conditions, such as heart disease.”

Some actions you unintentionally do before or during your reading can skew your blood pressure results:

1. Talking during the reading

It can be tempting to keep the conversation going during at your doctor’s appointment, but when the blood pressure cuff comes out, try to limit the chatter.

Talking can increase your blood pressure by 10 to 15 mmHg, according to the American College of Cardiology.

2. Positioning your arm wrong

Studies have found resting your arm on your lap or having it unsupported at your side can elevate your blood pressure. Instead, rest your arm on a surface where your elbow is at heart level.

It’s also best to sit with your back supported.

3. Crossing your legs

It’s great to feel comfortable while at the doctor’s office but try not to cross your legs or feet during your reading. Crossing your legs can restrict blood flow and elevate your blood pressure by a few points. To avoid this, keep your feet flat on the ground.

4. Forgetting to use the restroom beforehand

Believe it or not, the urge to pee does in fact raise your blood pressure by 10 to 15 mmHg. Try to make a pit stop before your appointment time.

5. Exercising or drinking caffeine

Engaging in physical activity or drinking caffeine within 30 minutes of your blood pressure reading can increase your heart rate. Try to plan out your day accordingly so there is time for your body to return to its normal state ahead of the reading.

“The key is to stay relaxed before and during the reading and to be cognizant of your body’s positioning,” Dr. Patterson reassures. “If your blood pressure reading is high, you can ask your care team to take it again. If you have white coat syndrome, you may benefit from self-reporting your blood pressure from home.”

Want to learn more about your risk for heart disease? Take a free online quiz.