Cardiologist explained the correct way to measure blood pressure

Everyone who suffers from cardiovascular issues should measure their blood pressure regularly. There are lots of devices that make it possible to that at home now. But are you doing it correctly when there’s no doctor at your side? Cardiologist Anna Korenevich (Russia) explained the correct way to measure your blood pressure.

According to Ms. Korenevich, blood pressure can change very fast following some external or internal factors. What can have an impact on your blood pressure level?

• Body position. BP goes down when you lie down and up when you stand up. The sitting position is the best: all norms have been developed for patients who are seated;

• Physical exertion. If you are moving, or just experiencing muscle tension (if your position is uncomfortable, for instance), or thinking about something gravely important, your BP goes up;

• Food. BP goes down after a meal, because your blood flow gets re-distributed to the gastrointestinal area;

• Emotions. The stronger your emotions, the higher your BP, no matter the type of emotion. Intense joy, just like intense anger, or fear, or resentment, can make your BP go up. The best emotional state when it comes to BP tests is tranquility;

• Alcohol. Initially, alcoholic drinks make your BP go down (thanks to emotional relaxation), but later, they elevate it via their metabolic by-products (acetaldehyde). The more alcohol you consume, the higher your BP will be the day after;

• Tea and coffee. Both beverages contain caffeine that makes your BP go up in the first minutes after consumption, then down;

• Air temperature. The hotter it is outside, the lower your BP: that’s because your subcutaneous capillaries expand to prevent your body from overheating;

• Time of day. Your BP is lower in the morning and higher in the evening. It’s at its lowest at night, when you’re asleep;

• Biological sex. Women have slightly lower BP, men – slightly higher. The normal parameters are the same for both sexes, though.

Therefore, as Dr. Korenevich explained, to measure your blood pressure correctly, you have to make yourself calm.