HOW BLOOD PRESSURE SHOULD BE TAKEN
An elevated blood pressure level is a hidden signal that can be detected only by actually measuring the blood pressure, preferably by a medical professional who has expertise and experience. In spite of all the high-tech equipment used today, I recommend that it be taken the old-fashioned way with a stethoscope and mercury sphygmomanometer, which employs a cuff and pressure gauge that uses mercury to measure the pressure. Though it’s important to get a blood pressure reading that is as accurate as possible, there are many factors that can give an inaccurate reading, among them a cuff that is applied incorrectly—for instance, over clothes—or one that is too small, which is common in a person who has large arms. The cuff should be the correct size and fit snugly. I’ve also seen cases when the person who is taking the reading doesn’t really know how to interpret the sounds she is hearing through the stethoscope. When in doubt, ask a trained medical professional to take the reading.
The blood pressure reading should be taken while you are sitting or standing and on several different occasions, to correct for inaccuracies as well as for any nervousness on your part. For instance, if you have the well-known “white coat syndrome,” you may suddenly become very nervous in the presence of a doctor or nurse, even if you’ve known the person for years. This anxiety will naturally send your blood pressure level skyrocketing. If you have one elevated reading, don’t be alarmed. This could be due not only to the stress of the office visit but also to other stresses in your life. Likewise, that high-fat fast-food lunch you ate an hour before your appointment can also cause a higher-than-normal blood pressure reading. If you have a high reading during the first few visits, your doctor may decide to take separate readings on both arms.
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