A new analysis has found that common cuff-based blood pressure checks can be inaccurate due to the mechanics of the artery beneath the cuff. Researchers at the University of Cambridge built a physical model to test this and discovered that the artery stays closed longer than expected, leading to lower systolic pressure readings.
The auscultatory method, used in most blood pressure measurements, involves inflating a cuff around the upper arm until it blocks blood flow, and then listening for tapping sounds while watching the gauge. However, this method overestimates diastolic pressure and underestimates systolic pressure.
To address this issue, researchers suggest simple tweaks to improve accuracy without replacing standard cuffs. One idea is to raise the arm before measuring, which could set a more predictable downstream pressure. Devices could also use added inputs such as age, BMI, or tissue characteristics to tailor corrections for each person.
The study’s findings highlight the importance of accurate blood pressure readings in detecting hypertension and preventing serious health outcomes like heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. With these changes, routine checks could flag true risk more often, making it easier to set appropriate treatment targets and help patients trust their plan.
The researchers are now preparing for clinical trials to test the correction in real-world settings, with partnerships with clinicians and industry essential to achieving broad validation and updating workflows.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/why-your-blood-pressure-reading-might-be-wrong