How Are People Being Misdiagnosed With High Blood Pressure?

Many people may have hypertension and may not even be aware of it. Read and find out if people are being misdiagnosed with high blood pressure.

Quick Summary

• Many people may get misdiagnosed with high blood pressure due to whitecoat hypertension or anxiety.
• Due to misdiagnosis, high BP patients may not get the proper treatment and suffer long-term consequences.
• Inappropriate diagnosis can result in the wrong prescription medication for the patient. As a result, it won’t resolve the current issue while creating more complications.

There is a growing concern that people are being misdiagnosed with high blood pressure. Some experts believe that the number of people with high blood pressure is much higher than previously thought. According to WHO, about 580 million people with hypertension aren’t aware of their condition.

Patients may experience whitecoat hypertension when getting themselves checked or have anxiety in general. Some patients may have masked hypertension and may show normal BP at the time of checking.

As a result of improper diagnosis, many aren’t getting the right treatment for high blood pressure. Keep reading to learn more about people being misdiagnosed with high blood pressure.

Understanding Hypertension And Its Symptoms

High BP, or hypertension, is a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is consistently high. This may damage the arteries and lead to other health problems.

The symptoms of hypertension can vary from person to person but typically include a feeling of fullness in the chest, shortness of breath, headaches, and blurred vision.

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of hypertension, it is essential to see your doctor as soon as possible.

How Is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a severe medical condition that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other health problems. It is crucial to have high blood pressure diagnosed as early as possible so that treatment can be started.

There are several ways to diagnose high blood pressure. One is to measure blood pressure in a clinic or doctor’s office. This is done with a device called a sphygmomanometer.

If you have conditions such as anxiety or are stressed on the day of the checkup, inform your doctor about it. You may have to ask the health practitioner to check your BP a few times to get an accurate reading.

Another way to diagnose hypertension is to measure blood pressure at home. You may use a reliable BP chart to monitor it.

Many devices may be used for this, including an electronic device that attaches to the arm or a cuff that fits around the upper arm. Learn how to measure blood pressure correctly at home.

Reasons For Misdiagnosis Of High Blood Pressure

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it is essential to know that this is not always accurate. Misdiagnosis of high blood pressure is quite common. There are several reasons for this, so it is vital to be aware of them.

Hypertensive

One reason for misdiagnosis is that blood pressure can fluctuate. This is called being hypertensive with fluctuating BP all day. Some patients may show a regular BP reading at some point during the day, even when they have hypertension.

So, if a person’s blood pressure is measured when it is high, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it is always high.

Blame it on the stress

Blood pressure can also be affected by factors like whitecoat hypertension, stress, anxiety, and exercise. If a person’s BP is measured when they are feeling stressed or anxious, this could lead to a misdiagnosis.

Inaccurate devices

Another reason for misdiagnosis is that there is no one perfect way to measure blood pressure. Different methods can give different readings. So, if a person’s blood pressure is measured using one method, then another method is required to confirm the diagnosis.

Underlying conditions

Lastly, high blood pressure can be caused by other conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, long-term kidney infections, and obstructive sleep apnea. So, for someone who’s diagnosed with high BP but has another condition, this can lead to a misdiagnosis.

What Are The Risks Of Being Misdiagnosed With High Blood Pressure?

There are a few risks associated with being misdiagnosed with high blood pressure. One of the biggest risks is that you may be prescribed medication you don’t need.

This can have a number of negative consequences, including increased side effects, interactions with other medications, and financial costs.

Additionally, if you are taking medication for high blood pressure when you don’t have the condition, you may not get the full benefits of the medication. This may lead to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

How Can People Ensure They Are Correctly Diagnosed With High Blood Pressure?

There are a few things that people may do to ensure that they are correctly diagnosed with high blood pressure.

First, they can keep a log of their blood pressure readings and track any changes. This can help provide a more accurate diagnosis if they see a doctor. Also, invest in a good quality monitor to ensure the results are as accurate as possible.

Additionally, people can ask their doctor to perform a 24-hour blood pressure monitoring test. This test can help rule out other causes of high blood pressure, such as sleep apnea.

How Can You Prevent And Treat Hypertension?

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to preventing hypertension, you can do several things to reduce your risk. Some simple steps you can take to manage hypertension include getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.

Eating food to manage high BP and taking blood pressure-lowering supplements may also help. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption is also essential, as is avoiding stress.

Conclusion

Many symptoms due to high BP may worsen the prognosis for the patients. This makes it crucial to get the right diagnosis and treatment. In worst cases, those with undiagnosed/misdiagnosed BP may experience heart disease or stroke. 

If you’re concerned that you may have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor. He or she can perform tests to determine whether or not you have the condition. Treatment for high blood pressure is available, and it is vital to get it under control.