A recent study has found that a wrong arm position during blood pressure (BP) checks may lead to misdiagnosis and overestimation of hypertension.

BP is the pressure of circulating blood against the walls of blood vessels. It is measured in units of millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The reading consists of two numbers — with the upper (systolic) value first, followed by the lower (diastolic) value. A person is considered hypertensive if they have consistent readings of 130/80 or higher.

The new study, published on Monday in Journal JAMA Internal Medicine, analysed the blood pressure readings of 133 adults from August 2022 to June 2023. The study volunteers’ ages ranged from 18 to 80.

The blood pressure readings were measured and compared while the people held their arms in three different ways — leaning on a surface, resting on the lap, or hanging by the side of the body.

The researchers from Johns Hopkins University discovered that when participants had their arms hanging by their sides during the reading, their systolic pressure was 6.5 points higher than when their arms were resting on a desk, while the diastolic blood pressure — the bottom number — was 4.4 points higher than in the supported condition.

The experts also found out that when their arms were on their laps, the systolic blood pressure was 3.9 points higher than when their arms were supported by a surface, while the diastolic pressure was 4 points higher than in the supported condition.

For example, if a person’s actual blood pressure is 134, and blood pressure is measured on a dangling arm, the reading could end up over 140, which is considered to be stage 2 hypertension.

Tammy Brady, the vice-chair for clinical research in the department of pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said the two other positions were tested because it was realised that they are the most used positions during blood pressure readings.

“I did not expect there to be that much of a difference when the arms were placed in the two alternative positions,” he said.

“We tested those positions because those are the positions that most people have their blood pressure measured, according to data and personal observations.

“We thought there’d be a difference, but I was surprised by how much of a difference there was.”

According to the study, the wrong positioning of the arm during BP readings leads to overestimation due to several physiological reasons.

First, there can be muscle contraction when the arm is not supported which can lead to an increase in BP reading.

Also, a greater vertical distance between the heart and where the cuff is placed can increase hydrostatic pressure in the arteries, or the blood pressure against the wall due to gravity’s pull. This can lead to an overestimation of blood pressure.

Brandy said the study was conducted to educate people on the appropriate arm position for BP reading.

“I just hope that it raises awareness regarding how important things like arm position are to blood pressure measurement accuracy,” he added.

“I also hope this study educates patients, empowering them to advocate for proper measurement when they’re in a clinic setting.

“But also, because so many patients rely on home blood pressure measurements for hypertension diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment.

“I hope this educates them on how to properly position their arms because our findings absolutely extend to measurements in the home.”

The researchers also gave the following steps to achieve an accurate BP measurement.

The steps include:

• Wear the appropriate cuff size
• Have your back supported
• Keep feet flat on the floor with legs uncrossed
• Have the appropriate arm position – the cuff should be positioned at heart level with the arm supported on a desk or table

Wearing the appropriate cuff size was found to be the most important step.

Because an improperly sized blood pressure cuff can distort blood pressure readings taken by automated blood pressure devices.

Also speaking, Gail Adler, a cardiovascular endocrinologist in the Hypertension Clinic at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, disclosed some steps that should taken 30 minutes for BP measurement.

“Before you take your blood pressure, you want no smoking, exercise, caffeine, alcohol, major arguments. Don’t be psychologically stressed,” Adler said.

“Sit in the chair, get in the right position. And for five minutes, you relax, you don’t talk, make sure you don’t have to pee. If you have to pee or urinate, that’s going to raise your blood pressure.”

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to the recall of Nivea BLACK&WHITE Invisible Roll-on deodorant 50ml by the European Union’s (EU) rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products (RAPEX) in Brussels.

In a notice on Thursday, NAFDAC said the recalled Nivea product contains 2-(4-tert-Butylbenzyl propionaldehyde) (BMHCA), a chemical prohibited in cosmetics products due to its ability to harm the reproductive system, impair the health of an unborn child, cause skin irritation, and cause burns to users.

The agency said the product, produced in Germany, is marked ‘48H protection in African climate’, with batch number: 93529610 and bar code number: 42299882.

“Importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the above-mentioned Nivea Roll-on with the affected batch,” the alert reads.

“Members of the public in possession of the affected batch of product should discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

“Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events experienced with the use of regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, E-reporting platforms available at www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med-safety application for download on android and iOS stores.”

The name “Moringa” comes from the Tamil word meaning twisted pod.

Moringa Leaf, derived from the Moringa Tree is a plant found in the Himalayas in India, Nigeria, Thailand, Taiwan, the Philippines, and worldwide.

On the other hand, pimples are a symptom of a condition, while acne is the condition itself. Acne-prone skin experiences pimples as part of their condition, but not everyone experiences occasional pimples.

Here’s how moringa leaves help treat both:

1. Fights bacteria

Moringa has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which may help reduce acne by preventing the growth of bacteria that trigger outbreaks.

It strengthens the skin’s natural barrier and reduces acne by cleansing and detoxifying the skin.

A study in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine demonstrated that moringa leaf extracts have antibacterial effects against skin pathogens

2. Removes dark spots

Moringa works helps to fix skin conditions like inflammation and acne because of its high vitamin C concentration.

It helps repair skin by encouraging skin cell turnover and lowering the number of discoloured skin cells that lead to hyperpigmentation, like acne scars.

Studies have shown that topical vitamin C can reduce hyperpigmentation and improve skin’s complexion by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for melanin production.

3. Moisturises the skin

Moringa powder, which is high in omegas, is an excellent moisturiser because it can control the natural oil production of the skin. It keeps the skin hydrated and repairs the skin barrier.

Also, because of its low oil content, it can be used by acne-prone people without clogging their skin and resulting in breakouts.

4. Reduces inflammation

Inflammation can be brought on by environmental factors, acne, and some products. The Vitamin E in moringa slows down this reaction, reduces inflammation, and soothes skin to return to its original state.

How to use moringa leaves to clear acne and pimples

Just follow these simple steps:

1. Gather your ingredients: 1 tablespoon Moringa powder, ½ tablespoon Turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon raw honey, and rose water or lemon juice.
2. Mix: Combine the ingredients in a small bowl, adding rose water or lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Apply: Gently apply the mask to your clean face, avoiding the eye area.
4. Wait: Leave the mask on for about 15 minutes.
5. Rinse: Rinse your face thoroughly with warm water.

If your skin is really sensitive or you have an adverse reaction to this, you should discontinue use.