Is blood pressure reading more accurate when lying down like a new study suggests? Experts weigh in

Blood pressure for adults in a seated position has a systolic reading of less than 120 mmHg and a diastolic reading under 80 mmHg, according to AHA and the American College of Cardiology. However, it is essential to consider that readings do fluctuate throughout the day.

The study took data from 11,369 participants who participated in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. The participant’s blood pressure was measured both in the seated position as well as while lying down or in the supine pose. With an average age of around 54, the participants had been followed for a median year of 25-28 years.

The study divided the participants into four groups — One group had normal blood pressure readings both when seated and lying down. Another one had high blood pressure only while sitting. Yet another had 16 per cent of participants with high blood pressure only while lying down. The last group had high blood pressure in both positions, according to the details of the study in AHA.

The study mentioned that over time, the group without high blood pressure in either position had the lowest risk. “The group with high blood pressure in both positions consistently was at high risk,” it read.

A new study throws light on the ideal position for blood pressure reading for heart health (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

The study, quoted lead researcher Juraschek, a general internist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, and an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, noting that the group that had high blood pressure only while lying down had risk levels similar to those with high readings in both positions, even after accounting for other cardiovascular risk factors. “People with supine-only high blood pressure had a 53 per cent higher risk of coronary heart disease, 51 per cent higher risk of heart failure, 62 per cent higher risk for stroke, 78 per cent higher risk of fatal coronary heart disease, and 34 per cent higher risk of death from all causes compared to participants with normal blood pressure in both positions,” he said.

However, the research was quick to point out that more elaborate studies are required.

As such, we decided to understand more about how our body reacts to the position in which a blood pressure reading is taken.

High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. That’s why it’s crucial to have your blood pressure checked regularly.

Calling it “a new theory”, Dr Subhendu Mohanty, cardiologist, Sharda Hospital, Noida said that it needs validation by more trials. “As of now, the best way to diagnose blood pressure is to have a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure recording. Whether the prognosis varies with lying down position needs to be tested with more trials,” he said.

As of today, sitting blood pressure recording with the blood pressure apparatus kept at the level of the chest is the standard of practice. “Nocturnal blood pressure reading, that is recording the blood pressure during sleep with an ambulatory blood pressure monitor, is considered more accurate in assessing cardiovascular risk,” mentioned Dr A. Naga Srinivaas, consultant – interventional cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Whitefield, Bangalore.

Dr Khushali Lalcheta, consultant physician, HCG Hospitals Rajkot is of the opinion that a person may feel more relaxed while lying down which may help get a precise reading. “This is because blood pressure tends to be lower when lying down, and it is easier to get a precise reading when relaxed,” said Dr Lalcheta, while pointing out that “more research is still needed to confirm these findings and to determine the best way to incorporate supine blood pressure measurements into clinical practice”.

But, office or clinic measurements of blood pressure with individuals lying down are not practical compared to sitting blood pressure readings, described Dr Srinivaas. “Also, there is no large data to support that lying down blood pressure is more accurate in predicting cardiovascular complications,” said Dr Srinivaas.

In the meantime, checking your blood pressure regularly, even if you have normal readings when sitting, is essential, experts urge. “This is because blood pressure can fluctuate throughout the day, and you may have high blood pressure at other times,” said Dr Lalcheta.

However, when in the office, you can take an average of three re-readings recorded at 10-minute intervals in a sitting position to measure your blood pressure levels, said Dr Srinivaas.

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