A recent study has found that the widely used method for measuring blood pressure, known as the “cuff method,” may often provide inaccurate readings, particularly for people with mid-range blood pressure.
This inaccuracy could lead to missed diagnoses and prevent people at risk of heart disease from receiving necessary treatments.
The cuff method, familiar to many from doctor’s visits, involves wrapping an inflatable cuff around the upper arm to briefly stop blood flow. When the cuff is released, blood pressure is calculated based on the flow returning through the arteries.
Although this method is simple and non-invasive, it may not always reflect the true blood pressure levels, especially for those who do not fall into the very high or very low blood pressure ranges.
In this study, scientists analyzed data from research conducted over several decades, comparing cuff blood pressure measurements from more than 2,500 people with a more accurate technique called “invasive blood pressure” measurement.
Invasive blood pressure, which directly measures pressure in the arteries, is considered the gold standard, particularly for the central aorta—the main artery just outside the heart.
The aorta’s pressure is especially important because it more accurately reflects the pressure the heart and other vital organs experience.
Blood pressure readings taken from the arm and the aorta can differ by as much as 25 mmHg, meaning a cuff measurement may not accurately reflect central aorta blood pressure.
The study found that while cuff blood pressure was reasonably accurate for people with very low (below 120/80 mmHg) or very high (160/100 mmHg or above) readings, it was less accurate for those with mid-range blood pressure—systolic between 120 and 159 mmHg, and diastolic between 80 and 99 mmHg.
In this mid-range group, the cuff method’s accuracy compared to the gold standard was just 50-57%.
This finding is crucial because it suggests that the most commonly used method of measuring blood pressure may not always give a true picture for people in this mid-range, a large portion of the population.
Such inaccuracies could lead doctors to miss potential risks or start treatment at an incorrect stage.
While this study points to issues with the cuff method’s accuracy, there is still strong evidence that lowering high blood pressure can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and vascular disease.
Large clinical trials have shown that medications to manage high blood pressure are highly effective in preventing these serious health problems.
The researchers emphasize that while the cuff method remains useful, a more accurate way to measure blood pressure could help doctors provide better care.
Improved measurement techniques could give clearer guidance for those with mid-range readings, potentially leading to better health outcomes.
This study was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, adding to the growing interest in improving how blood pressure is measured and managed.
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