Very often we are advised not to worry about a marginal rise in blood pressure. For example, 140/90, which is a common reading of blood pressure these days, is assumed to be normal. But is it true? Is it okay to not do anything about it?
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition where the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high.This condition increases the risk of severe health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
Often called the “silent killer” because it can exist without noticeable symptoms, hypertension requires regular monitoring and management. Contributing factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, high salt intake, stress, and excessive alcohol consumption. Effective management involves lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and medication as prescribed by healthcare professionals.
On World Hypertension Day, we spoke to Dr. Sameer Gupta, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Vascular Intervention Specialist, Group Head – Cardiac Cath Lab, Director – Metro Group of Hospitals to understand what does the reading 140/90 signify, and is it the new normal blood pressure.
When the blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or higher, it is classified as hypertension. Sub 120/80 mmHg is considered normal blood pressure. The four categories for blood pressure readings are as follows: stage 1 hypertension (130-139/80-89 mmHg), stage 2 hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg), raised (120-129/<80 mmHg), and normal (<120/80 mmHg).
The assumption of 140/90 blood pressure as a new normal might be stemming from machine readings and estimating the machine errors.
Dr Gupta suggests taking hypertension seriously even when the reading is 140/90.

Do digital BP machines give higher readings?

Digital blood pressure machines can sometimes give higher readings due to factors like improper cuff size, incorrect placement, or user error. While generally accurate, these devices may also be sensitive to body movements or talking during measurement. Ensuring proper usage and regularly calibrating the device can help minimize discrepancies. For consistent high readings, it’s advisable to compare with manual readings or consult a healthcare professional to verify accuracy.
Blood pressure readings can be influenced by factors such as improper cuff size, incorrect positioning, and user error. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, ensure the cuff is appropriately fitted, and measure at the same time daily. Regular calibration and comparison with professional readings can further enhance their reliability.

Dr Gupta explains: Individual requirements play a role in selecting the appropriate BP monitor. Because they are so convenient and easy to use, digital BP monitors are highly recommended for most people, especially for usage at home. These devices often include extra capabilities like memory storage to track measurements over time, and they provide automatic readings, which lowers the possibility of user error.
However, accurate use of the outdated (manual) monitors requires appropriate training. These require manually checking the gauge and using a stethoscope to listen to heart sounds, which might be difficult for someone without medical experience. In spite of this, they are frequently employed in therapeutic settings and are thought to be highly accurate.
Incorrect cuff size is a common machine mistake that can lead to incorrectly high or low readings. Accuracy issues can also result from improper cuff placement, such as placing the cuff too high or too low on the arm. Variable findings can be caused by human error, such as moving or talking while taking a measurement.Persistent inaccuracies might result from issues with device calibration, which are frequently caused by infrequent maintenance.