The Dangers of Inaccurate Blood Pressure Readings

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine warns that the standard, one-size-fits-all blood pressure cuffs used by most doctor's offices are delivering inaccurate readings, particularly for patients who require a different size, especially larger cuffs. Accurate blood pressure readings are crucial for diagnosing conditions like hypertension, the leading cause of heart disease worldwide. The study found that medical professionals often use midsize cuffs, which are typically the only size provided for at-home blood pressure monitors. Using the wrong cuff size can lead to incorrect diagnoses and health advice. The researchers recommend educating both patients and providers about the importance of using the right cuff and caution against using public blood pressure kiosks.