7 Surprising Factors That Affect Your Blood Pressure Reading!

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If you are someone who is suffering from hypertension, or if you get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis to prevent impending health complications, then you must know that there are certain factors that can affect your blood pressure reading.

Blood pressure can be defined as the pressure of the blood circulating in your body, against the walls of your blood vessels.

BP, short for blood pressure, is one of the vital parameters of diagnosing certain diseases, along with body temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, etc.

Now, the common condition related to blood pressure, known as hypertension, affects numerous people around the globe, regardless of the gender.

Also Read: Home Remedies For High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition in which the pressure of the circulating blood against the walls of the blood vessels is extremely high.

Hypertension can be caused by various reasons like high cholesterol, obesity, stress, etc.

Hypertension can be extremely damaging and can even lead to heart failure!

So, here are some of the factors that can affect your blood pressure reading. Take a look.

1. Sitting Position

The way you sit, while having your BP tested, can affect the reading because taking the readings at different positions can affect the blood circulation differently. Ensure that you sit up straight, with your feet resting on a solid surface.

2. Arm Position

If you want an accurate blood pressure reading, your arm must be held out straight, in front of you, resting on a surface and not hanging in the air.

3. Bladder

A full bladder can sometimes show the blood pressure numbers to be very high and not accurate, so ensure that you empty your bladder before getting your BP tested.

4. Smoking

Smoking right before having your blood pressure tested can also give an inaccurate reading, as smoking increases the spasm of the arteries, causing temporary high BP.

5. Salty Meals

If you have consumed a meal high in salt just hours before the BP test, your reading could be inaccurate, as salt elevates the blood pressure temporarily.

6. Hydration

If you are dehydrated, your blood pressure can be lowered temporarily, so the reading will be inaccurate. So, drink plenty of water before getting your BP tested.

7. The BP Cuff

If the BP cuff that is attached to your hand while you are getting tested is too loose or too tight, it could give inaccurate readings, so the doctors must ensure that it fits right.