Are YOU a Victim of Hypertension Misdiagnosis?

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted October 31, 2024

Happy Halloween, my friend. I hope your day is filled with plenty of cute trick-or-treating “ghosts” and “ghouls” who couldn’t scare a fly if they tried.

But today, I want to talk to you about something that’s TRULY horrifying.

And that is medical misdiagnosis.

In the world of medical diagnostics, accuracy is paramount.

However, a recent study shed light on a surprising source of errors in one of the most common medical tests there is.

According to researchers, many blood pressure measurements may be inaccurate.

These findings reveal that countless folks are being subjected to heavy-duty drugs and strict lifestyle changes based on a hypertension misdiagnosis.

Keep reading to find out how YOU can avoid becoming the next victim…

The research published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that the way we position our arms during blood pressure readings could lead to an overdiagnosis of hypertension in millions worldwide.

The study evaluated three arm positions commonly used during blood pressure measurements: an arm supported on a desk, one resting on a lap, and an unsupported arm hanging at the patient’s side.

The researchers used the desk-supported arm position as a baseline for comparison, as it’s generally considered the most accurate method.

They concluded that arm position DOES matter…

• Lap support led to an overestimation of systolic blood pressure by nearly 4 mmHg
• An unsupported arm resulted in an overestimation of about 7 mmHg

Now, at first glance, those might not look like huge numbers. However, given that the threshold for a hypertension diagnosis is often just a few points above normal, these position-induced blood pressure elevations can lead to false diagnoses and unnecessary treatments.

The fact is, many healthcare settings may not properly account for arm positioning—leading to widespread inaccuracies in blood pressure readings.

This research highlights the need for standardization in blood pressure measurement techniques across the board.

And, of course, it also underscores how vital it is to use the correct position—arm supported on a desk at heart level— to ensure blood pressure accuracy regardless of whether it is taken at your doctor’s office or at home.

Remember, while this research is critical. it doesn’t negate the seriousness of hypertension. If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, don’t stop your treatment without consulting your doctor.

And there are plenty of great ways to support healthy blood pressure naturally, such as supplements and lifestyle changes. And if you feel you may have been misdiagnosed, speak with your doctor about retesting.

P.S. Is a home blood pressure cuff worth the money? CLICK HERE to find out.

Source:

Liu H, Zhao D, Sabit A, et al. Arm Position and Blood Pressure Readings: The ARMS Crossover Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. Published online October 07, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.5213

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND