It is known how you should sit to measure blood pressure accurately eClinicMedicine: Measuring blood pressure in a chair without a backrest distorts the results 00:30

Millions of people with normal blood pressure may be misdiagnosed with hypertension due to incorrect positioning when measuring blood pressure, according to a new study. The study was published in the journal eClinicalMedicine.

150 adults participated in the Ohio State University experiment. Researchers compared pressure measurements obtained when examining patients sitting on a couch without back support or in a chair with a backrest. On average, the systolic pressure (first number) measured with a person sitting on the couch was 7 mm Hg. Art. higher than that of someone sitting in a chair. Diastolic pressure (second number) was 4.5 mmHg higher. Art.

This difference is large enough to diagnose millions of people with hypertension where they do not actually have it. This mistake may lead the person to take medications they do not need. Injuries may occur due to low blood pressure and the resulting dizziness, fainting and falling. A new study confirms the American Heart Association’s recommendation that the patient sit in a chair with a backrest and feet flat on the floor during measurement.

Previous scientists in the name Factor that increases the risk of atrial fibrillation by 30%.