What is the error range in blood pressure measurement between being nervous and not nervous?
Minor stress usually does not significantly impact blood pressure readings, but excessive stress can lead to errors in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, causing an increased heart rate, which in turn affects the accuracy of blood pressure measurements.
1.
During blood pressure measurement, if only mild stress is felt and emotions remain relatively stable, the blood pressure reading typically does not show significant errors. Many people feel mildly stressed when measuring blood pressure in a hospital or clinic, known as the "white coat effect," but this generally does not seriously affect the results.
2.
When emotional fluctuations are large or mental stress is excessive, overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system can lead to an increased heart rate and even symptoms such as palpitations. Blood pressure measured in this state may be higher than the actual blood pressure, resulting in inaccurate results. Excessive stress does significantly cause errors in blood pressure measurement.
To improve the accuracy of blood pressure measurements, it is recommended to maintain a relaxed mindset before measurement. Techniques such as deep breathing or meditation can be used to relieve stress. Healthy eating habits also contribute to maintaining normal blood pressure levels. Consuming moderate amounts of light foods, such as millet porridge, Chinese yam porridge, and increasing intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, like apples and spinach, helps provide necessary nutrition to the body and supports overall health.
Maintaining a good psychological state and a healthy lifestyle during blood pressure measurement not only helps obtain more accurate measurement results but also promotes overall health. If you find that your blood pressure readings are often high, especially when stressed, consult a doctor for professional advice.
