Doc: Blood pressure via phone app not correct

LUCKNOW : Blood pressure could not be measured via cellphones, said eminent cardiologist Dr Nakul Sinha at a press conference called on Friday to share a report on blood pressure monitoring among Indians.

“Blood pressure is measured from the artery in the upper arm and this is not possible by putting a finger tip on a mobile sensor pad,” said Dr Sinha while explaining that electrical current of the body could be read via a mobile app but not the blood pressure.

Sharing the report ‘India heart Study’ on blood pressure, Dr Sinha said that about 22% of those surveyed in Uttar Pradesh had reflected high blood pressure when they reached a doctor while this ratio across India was 24%. “Home blood pressure monitoring is the best option, as it requires a few steps to be followed while taking the blood pressure which anyone can learn quickly,” he said. The survey was done on 18,918 people living in urban areas, across 15 states, with the help of 1,233 doctors and it took nine months to complete the survey. Dr Viraj Suvarna said accurate measurement of blood pressure was an important element in appropriate management of hypertension and improving health outcomes.

Dr Sinha said, “Data from India Heart Study points to Indians having a higher average resting heart rate (RHR) which calls for attention. There is a close link between RHR and heart health. In fact the mammalian life span is inversely related to heart rate which in humans is also associated with regular physical activity. Fast heart rate accelerates endothelial dysfunction, vascular stiffness and atherosclerosis. A slower heart rate may also protect against sudden cardiac death and heart failure.”