Pressure Points - What You Don’t Know About Your Blood Pressure Could Hurt You
May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month—a time to spotlight one of the most common and dangerous health conditions in the U.S. But while most awareness campaigns focus on what your blood pressure numbers are, we’re flipping the script to ask: Are you even measuring it correctly?
Spoiler alert: chances are, you may not be.
High blood pressure (hypertension) affects nearly half of U.S. adults and is a leading risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and dementia. Yet, only about 20% of those with hypertension have it under control.
The problem? Many people are taking blood pressure readings incorrectly, leading to misdiagnoses and inappropriate treatments. Small errors, like incorrect arm positioning, talking during the measurement, or using the wrong cuff size, can skew readings by 10–20 points. This can result in unnecessary medication or, worse, a false sense of security.
Common Mistakes in Blood Pressure Measurement
A recent Wall Street Journal article highlights several prevalent errors in blood pressure measurement:
Arm Positioning: Resting your arm in your lap can overestimate systolic readings by nearly 4 mmHg.
Cuff Size: Using a cuff that's too small can falsely elevate readings; too large, and readings may be inaccurately low.
Body Posture: Crossed legs, unsupported back, or dangling feet can all affect accuracy.
Talking or Moving: Engaging in conversation, scrolling on your phone, or any movement during the measurement can lead to higher readings.
Full Bladder: Not emptying your bladder before a reading can increase systolic pressure by 10–15 mmHg.
Why ACLS Academy Cares About Accurate Blood Pressure Readings
At ACLS Academy, our mission extends beyond certifying individuals in life-saving techniques; we aim to educate and empower our community with accurate health knowledge. Proper blood pressure measurement is a fundamental skill taught in many of our certification courses, including First Aid and BLS.
Our nurse instructors emphasize the importance of accurate readings, as they can be critical in emergency situations. Recognizing signs of high or low blood pressure—like dizziness, fainting, or chest pain—can make a significant difference in patient outcomes.
How to Measure Your Blood Pressure Correctly
To ensure accurate readings, follow these guidelines:
Prepare Properly: Avoid caffeine, exercise, and smoking 30 minutes before measuring.
Empty Your Bladder: A full bladder can affect readings.
Sit Correctly: Sit upright with your back supported, feet flat on the floor, and legs uncrossed.
Position Your Arm: Rest your arm on a flat surface at heart level.
Use the Right Cuff Size: Ensure the cuff fits snugly around your bare upper arm.
Stay Still and Quiet: Do not talk or move during the measurement.
Take Multiple Readings: Wait a minute between readings and record the average.
Regular home monitoring, following proper guidelines, is also encouraged.
Hidden Hypertension—Why Office Readings Aren’t Always Enough
Another layer of complexity in managing blood pressure is the phenomenon of “white coat hypertension”—a spike in BP that occurs in medical settings due to anxiety. On the flip side, some people experience “masked hypertension,” where their readings are normal at the doctor’s office but elevated during daily life. This is why home monitoring, when done correctly, is essential. It provides a clearer picture of your typical blood pressure patterns and helps healthcare providers make more informed decisions.
The Health Impacts of High Blood Pressure
Often called the “silent killer,” high blood pressure can do serious damage to your body long before you notice symptoms. Left uncontrolled, it increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss, and cognitive decline. It can damage the arteries, making them less elastic and more prone to blockage or rupture. Even moderately elevated blood pressure over time can silently erode your health, especially when paired with other risk factors like diabetes, smoking, or high cholesterol. That’s why catching and managing it early through proper screening is critical.
Lowering the Pressure: Small Changes, Big Impact
The good news? High blood pressure isn’t a life sentence—and many people can lower their numbers naturally with a few sustainable changes. Daily movement, even just a 30-minute walk, can significantly improve heart health. Reducing sodium intake, eating more fruits and vegetables (especially those high in potassium), and cutting back on alcohol can all make a measurable difference. Stress reduction techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and yoga are more than trendy—they help calm your nervous system, which can help lower blood pressure over time. If you smoke, quitting is one of the most powerful steps you can take. And don’t underestimate the power of sleep—consistent rest helps your heart recover and regulate. Everyone’s body is different, but the path to better blood pressure often starts with one small, intentional habit.
Take Action This May
This Blood Pressure Month, take the time to:
Review Your Technique: Ensure you're measuring your blood pressure correctly.
Educate Others: Share accurate measurement practices with family and friends.
Stay Informed: Attend a First Aid or CPR class to learn more about vital signs and emergency response.
Knowledge is power—and when it comes to blood pressure, it could save your life.
ACLS Academy is an authorized American Heart Association (AHA) Aligned Training Center. We have three convenient locations in Massachusetts—Quincy, Bridgewater, and Newton Center—and most of our classes include an online training component. We provide high-quality courses taught by instructors practicing in the medical profession for ACLS, BLS, TNCC, ENPC, NRP, PALS, PALS Plus, PEARS, ACLS-EP, ASLS, Bloodborne Pathogen, HeartSaver CPR/AED, First Aid, and Instructor Courses. Please browse our catalog of courses.