A JOHNS Hopkins study has revealed that where you put your arm during a blood pressure test could be the difference between "you're fine" and "you're basically a ticking time bomb".
Researchers tested three common arm positions - resting on a desk, on a lap, and hanging there like a forgotten limb - and the results were alarming.
Apparently, resting your arm on your lap can make your blood pressure seem four points higher, while letting it dangle at your side can add seven points to your systolic pressure.
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine's blood pressure expert Tammy Brady confirmed that these findings were a big deal.
In the study, 133 brave souls were subjected to multiple tests such as emptying their bladders, taking a short stroll, then being seated and having their blood pressure taken in various positions.
The takeaway was that if you're getting your blood pressure checked, make sure your arm is firmly supported on a sturdy desk, which under test conditions, worked better than the other methods.
So next time you're at the pharmacy, remember: bad arm support could be the reason you're handed a prescription for meds instead of a high-five.
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