Measuring your blood pressure in this position can help you identify your risk of high blood pressure.

Even if your blood pressure is currently normal, there's a way to determine if you're at risk of developing high blood pressure in the future. Simply measure your blood pressure while lying down.

 

Hypertension is a disease that is crucial to recognize before it develops, as it can be prevented through lifestyle modifications. A systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher and a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher is diagnosed as hypertension. Beyond these levels, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease significantly increases. The risk of death from cardiovascular disease increases 2.6-fold, and the likelihood of developing a stroke increases seven-fold. A systolic blood pressure of 130-139 mmHg and a diastolic blood pressure of 80-89 mmHg are considered prehypertension, while a systolic blood pressure of 120-129 mmHg is considered alert.

If a person with normal blood pressure has their blood pressure measured while lying down and it is higher than the normal range, it means that they are at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure than a person with normal blood pressure.

 

When you measure your blood pressure while lying down, it's usually slightly higher than when you measure it while sitting. This is because gravity lowers blood pressure.

 

A research team led by Dr. Stephen Jura-Sek of Harvard Medical School conducted a study to determine whether higher than normal blood pressure while lying down could be considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The research team measured blood pressure in different positions in 11,369 people without cardiovascular disease and followed them for 25 to 28 years. Sixteen percent of the participants had normal blood pressure when sitting but high blood pressure when lying down. The research team defined high blood pressure as anything above baseline. The results showed that participants who had high blood pressure only while lying down had a 53% higher risk of developing coronary artery disease, a 51% higher risk of heart failure, a 62% higher risk of stroke, and a 34% higher risk of all-cause mortality than those who had normal blood pressure both lying down and sitting.

 

If your systolic blood pressure is 120 mmHg or higher and your diastolic blood pressure is 80 mmHg or higher when lying down, you need to improve your lifestyle habits. 

 

Perform moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, which promotes cardiopulmonary function, for at least 30 minutes five times a week, or vigorous-intensity exercise for at least 20 minutes three times a week. You should also strive to reduce stress on a regular basis. Quieting your thoughts and practicing regular meditation can be helpful. It's also important to regularly check your blood pressure and receive prompt treatment.

 

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My parents also have a home blood pressure monitor.

My mom checks on me every day.

You can do it by hanging it on a chair.

 

If you do it lying down, your blood pressure may increase slightly.