Are YOU a Victim of Hypertension Misdiagnosis?

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

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

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 Free Articles

Mailbag: Ease Peripheral Neuropathy Nerve Pain NATURALLY

“What is your position on peripheral neuropathy?” —On Pins and Needles Hi Pins, Peripheral neuropathy is a challenging condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the hands and feet. Many folks describe neuropathies as feeling like pins and needles, tingling, or burning. When I...

Read This

Pancreas Protector Discovered in the VITAMIN Aisle

Most of us are concerned about our heart health. We also take steps to protect our brains. Even our kidneys and livers get some attention. But the pancreas? It’s seldom given a second thought—or at least, not until something goes wrong. And when it does, it can be serious business. The pancreas is vital for...

Read This

Study Reveals New Health Risk in Ultra-Processed Food

New research reveals that ultra-processed foods are even WORSE for our health than we imagined. And the problem isn’t just the sugar, salt, and artificial ingredients. There’s another sneaky threat lurking in convenience foods. And it could multiply their health risks… A recent study published in the journal Globalization and Health uncovered an alarming problem...

Read This

A Simple Vitamin Solution Combats Parkinson’s

Our understanding of the gut-brain connection has grown rapidly in recent years. So, it’s no surprise that scientists suspect a connection between gut health and the development of Parkinson’s. However, new research is adding more details to the picture. A groundbreaking study revealed two common nutrients are often critically low in folks with Parkinson’s. This...

Read This

The “Cellular Wildfire” Fueling Long-COVID Revealed

A significant number of folks continue to feel unwell after supposedly “recovering” from COVID-19. I have some exciting news if you’re one of the millions battling long-COVID. Scientists from the University of Queensland just uncovered a crucial piece of the puzzle—and all signs point to inflammation as the culprit. Let me explain… ***** This groundbreaking...

Read This

Top 9 Nutrients Needed to Maintain Good Health

Let’s face it… the supplement aisle at your local grocery store is kind of overwhelming. Standing there staring at rows upon rows of colorful bottles, each promising better health, increased energy, or miraculous benefits can leave you feeling downright dizzy. With so many options, how can you possibly know which nutrients are truly essential for...

Read This

The Mini-Movement Revolution Beats Traditional Workouts

I get it… not everyone loves exercise. But you don’t have to become a gym rat to get major health benefits. New research reveals that those quick trips to take the garbage out or go to the bathroom might be even MORE valuable than your scheduled exercise time. In fact, these mini-movement breaks could be...

Read This

Mailbag: Natural Fixes for Stubborn Toenail Fungus

“Is there an actual cure for toenail fungus?” —Feeling Frustrated If you are frustrated because you’ve been battling toenail fungus, I’m not surprised. Toenail fungus is incredibly difficult to treat. But don’t give up. With a combination of natural treatments and patience, relief is possible. Here’s what’s worked for my patients in the past… Tea...

Read This

Science Reveals Late-Night Anxiety is REAL (Here’s the Fix)

Ever notice how your problems seem WORSE at 3 AM? It turns out those middle-of-the-night anxiety-filled thoughts aren’t just in your head. Research reveals that your brain actually functions differently after midnight. In fact, what goes on during those dark hours could be sabotage your sleep and your decisions. But before you reach for a...

Read This

Normal Blood Pressure In 4 Weeks WITHOUT Drugs

High blood pressure affects millions of us. And these hypertension (high blood pressure) medications work, but they often come with unwanted side effects. However, we might have another option. A new study confirms that an often-overlooked root vegetable can help normalize blood pressure FAST… Research conducted by scientists at Queen Mary University of London revealed...

Read This