Has your doctor ever asked you to lie down to take your blood pressure or does he take it, as is quite common to do, while you are in a sitting position? The question may seem trivial but, according to researchers at Harvard University, it is essential for knowing your cardiovascular risk.
Using data from a long-term study, researchers at Harvard Medical School found that, compared to blood pressure measurements taken while a person was sitting, measurements indicating high blood pressure in people lying down can better predict strokes, serious heart problems and even the risk of premature death.
A 62% higher risk of stroke
Based on the results of a 25-year study of 11,369 participants, scientists found that people who had high blood pressure in the supine position (i.e. lying on their back) had : “a 53% higher risk of coronary heart disease, a 51% higher risk of heart failure, a 62% higher risk of stroke, a 78% higher risk of fatal coronary heart disease and a 34% higher risk “higher death from all causes compared to people with normal blood pressure in both positions,” said Dr. Stephen Juraschek, lead author of the study.
The doctor therefore suggests that asking patients to lie down to measure their blood pressure could potentially help identify people who need treatment despite seemingly normal blood pressure numbers taken while sitting.
Source :A finding surprising about taking blood pressure lying downAmerican heart association, September 2023
