Hypertension, Dr. Gérald Kierzek recalls the frequent error which distorts the tension at home

Have you used to monitor your tension at home? This is an excellent initiative: in France, more than 17 million people are affected by high blood pressure, the main cause of cardiovascular and stroke diseases. However, according to the emergency doctor Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency artist and medical director of True Medical, a very simple gesture is too often forgotten … and can distort your results.

Take your tension on both arms at least once

“Do not take your blood pressure on both arms at least once is a common error”recalls Dr. Kierzek. In reality, and that is to know, a difference in pressure between the right arm and the left arm is frequent and should not panic. “A small variation (5 to 10 mmHg) is normal” press the doctor. But more marked asymmetry, beyond 10 to 15 mmHg for systolic pressure, can reveal an underlying problem. It is therefore better not to miss it. Among the problems mentioned, the doctor exhibits

• A stenosis of the subclavian artery (artery narrowed by atherosclerosis);
• Peripheral arterial disease (diffuse arteries involvement, increasing the risk of infarction or stroke);
• More rarely, an anomaly of the aorta.

In the most serious cases, a brutal and important difference (15 to 20 mmhg or more), associated with chest pain, can even be the sign of aortic dissection, vital emergency. It is therefore essential to know how to spot it.

How to properly take your tension at home?

Taking its tension is not complicated … provided you respect some specific rules. “Too often, patients improvise and distort their results without knowing it”Oulign our expert. Here is the protocol recommended by doctors and recalled by Dr Gérald Kierzek.

1. Choose the right device. Forget the tensiometers on the wrist, deemed unreliable. “”We favor an electronic device on the arm, validated clinically and marked this “insists Dr. Kierzek;
2. Put yourself in good conditions. Blood tension varies depending on stress, physical activity or even a simple discussion. “”We settle in a quiet room, we cut television, we do not speak, we breathe quietly “, recommends the doctor;
3. Respect a rest time. Before starting the measurement, grant yourself 5 minutes sit at rest. No question of storage just before: the effort would distort the value noted;
4. Adopt the right position. Either sit comfortably on a chair, the back straight and sustained, the feet flat on the floor (avoid crossing the legs), the arm on a table, at the heart of the heart. “”This detail counts: an arm that is too low or too high can vary the figures of several millimeters of mercury “;
5. During the measurement: absolute calm. Stay motionless, relaxed, not to mention. “Move, contract the arm or chat at the same time is enough to disturb the measure”recalls Dr. Kierzek.

Remember that for a precise measurement,, Cardiologists advise a specific rhythm:

• 3 measurements in the morning, before breakfast and medication;
• 3 measurements in the evening, before bedtime;
• The measures must be spaced 1 to 2 minutes;
• Repeat the operation for 3 consecutive days, especially before a medical consultation

Finally the catch must give rise to a written trace, for better follow -up. Note all your values ​​(systolic, diastolic pressure, pulse), the date, the time … and especially the arm used. A dedicated notebook or application will help you transmit this data to your doctor. “”These series of measurements are worth much more than an isolated figure in office, often distorted by the white blouse effect “underlines Dr. Kierzek.

Do not forget: the very first time, measure always on both arms. Then systematically use the arm that presented the highest tension. Your doctor will be able to confirm this choice during follow -up.