The doctor named the pose that increases blood pressure

A habitual posture can fool a blood pressure monitor: doctors explained how incorrect body positioning during blood pressure measurement leads to a false diagnosis of hypertension.

As reported by TUT.AZ citing Russian cardiologist Svetlana Dodonova, a seemingly harmless habit — crossing one's legs during blood pressure measurement — can inflate the readings by 5–10 mmHg at once. The doctor explains the mechanism simply: in this position, blood vessels are compressed, muscles experience additional strain, the heart begins working harder, and blood vessels constrict. The result — the numbers on the blood pressure monitor turn out higher than the actual values.

Medical professionals emphasize that such a seemingly minor error can lead to serious consequences. A person with borderline readings risks being given a false diagnosis of "hypertension" and prescribed treatment they do not actually need.

To obtain an accurate result, specialists recommend following a few simple rules: sit with your back supported against the chair, keep both feet flat on the floor, and position the arm with the cuff at heart level. A few minutes before the procedure, it is recommended not to talk and to set your smartphone aside.