ArcaMax

When you get your high blood pressure under control, the pressure is off. You can relax a bit about increased cardiovascular risks associated with a blood pressure (BP) reading of more than 110/75 and an increased risk for dementia that's related to a reading of 125/85 or higher. But the pressure can be off in another way -- because of your arm position.

Johns Hopkins University researchers tested the BP reading obtained when your arm is supported on a desk, supported on your lap, and unsupported at your side. They found that a reading taken while your arm is resting on your lap will deliver a top (systolic) number that's around 4 mmHg higher than it really is! An unsupported arm hanging at your side results in a top number nearly 7 mmHG higher than is accurate. An arm supported on a desk or table provides an accurate reading.

Other ways to ensure an accurate reading: Use an appropriately sized cuff positioned at mid-heart level. Have good back support and keep your feet flat on the floor, not dangling from an exam table, with legs uncrossed.

If you do have elevated BP, there are 150 meds available. You can find one that has side effects you want (increased libido) and avoids those you don't want (fatigue). Also smart? Inspiratory resistance training. Using the breathing gadget to take 30 breaths a day, six days a week for six weeks was shown to lower the systolic number by 9 points. And explore a diet to control BP in "The DASH Diet Explained" at iHerb.com/blog.

Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world's leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively. Together they have written 11 New York Times bestsellers (four No. 1's).

(c)2024 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

(c) 2024 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.