Blood pressure readings are an indication of the amount of force that blood flow exerts on the walls of the arteries. Readings can be normal, high, low or inaccurate. Certain conditions can cause inaccurate, or false, blood pressure readings.
Getting Accurate Readings
Blood pressure can be measured manually with a sphygmomanometer, a blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope. To get an accurate blood pressure reading, the book "Fluids and Electrolytes Made Incredibly Easy" states that the cuff size should be appropriate for the patient and positioned properly over the brachial artery as well as around the arm.
Causes
False blood pressure readings can occur when a patient exercises before the measurement is taken or after the patient has eaten or performed activities that could affect blood pressure levels. Empowered Doctor.com explains that using a small cuff or a cuff that fits loosely around the patient's arm could also lead to false readings.
Remedies
If a false blood pressure reading is suspected, a second reading should be done, according to EmpoweredDoctor.com. It can be done on the patient's other arm or on the same arm, after the patient has been given some time to relax. All conditions that could cause a false reading should also be eliminated, if they exist.
References
- Empowered Doctor: 6 Factors in Accurate Blood Pressure Readings
- "Fluids and Electrolytes Made Incredibly Easy"; Margaret Eckman, ed., et al.; 2007
