Many people make critical errors when measuring their blood pressure at home—and these small mistakes can lead to misleading results. In a recent episode of The Dr. Oz Show, renowned physician Dr. Mehmet Oz highlighted the most common pitfalls to avoid.
“I’m guilty too”: Dr. Oz Reveals Major Blood Pressure Measurement Mistakes
The doctor admitted that even he sometimes rushes the process—like placing the cuff over his sleeve instead of on bare skin. “I get lazy—rolling up my sleeve feels like a hassle, so I just put it over my shirt. But that’s a mistake,” he explained.
For an accurate reading, the cuff must sit at heart level (aligned with the right atrium) and fit snugly without being too tight. Dr. Oz also emphasized emptying your bladder beforehand, as a full bladder can skew results.
Posture matters more than you think. Sitting relaxed with feet flat on the floor is crucial—crossing your legs can raise your systolic pressure by up to 10 mmHg. Rest your arm on a table at heart level and lean back slightly in your chair.
Who should monitor blood pressure most closely? Dr. Oz singled out three high-risk groups:
- People with diabetes
- Those with heart disease
- Anyone with kidney problems
