Top in cardiology: Popular BP cuffs improper fit; Catch-up sleep lowers heart disease risk

Most home BP cuffs on the market may not properly fit millions of U.S. adults, many of whom may already be hypertensive, according to data presented at the Hypertension Scientific Sessions and simultaneously published in Hypertension.

“Most popular blood pressure devices we tested had the same cuff size coverage — to fit arms with a circumference from 8.7 in to 16.5 in (22 cm to 42 cm). We estimate that these one-size cuffs would not properly fit approximately 18 million U.S. adults potentially providing inaccurate blood pressure measures,” Kunihiro Matsushita, MD, PhD, FAHA, professor in the department of epidemiology in the division of cardiology at Johns Hopkins University, said in a press release.

The researchers found that among various races/ethnicities, Black adults were least able to receive accurate BP readings.

It was the top story in cardiology last week.

In another top story, researchers found that patients who caught up on missed sleep over the weekend had a lower risk for developing heart disease.

Read these and more top stories in cardiology below:

Popular home BP devices unable to provide accurate readings for millions due to sizing

Millions of U.S. adults may not fit within the range of arm sizes eligible for accurate readings with some of the most popular home blood pressure cuffs on the market, researchers reported. Read more.

Catching up on sleep over the weekend may have heart health benefits

Catching up on sleep over the weekend was associated with lower likelihood of having heart disease compared with individuals who slept less than they would during the week, a speaker reported. Read more.

Exposure to toxic metals linked to buildup of calcified coronary plaque

Exposure to toxic metals such as cadmium and tungsten was associated with increased coronary calcium progression, a significant predictor of atherosclerosis, according to data published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Read more.

FDA approves new catheter system for left bundle branch area pacing

Biotronik announced it received FDA labeling approval of its stylet-driven lead and delivery catheter system for left bundle branch area pacing. Read more.

Remote monitoring, pharmacy telehealth visits improved BP control among rural patients

Remote BP monitoring and collaborative telehealth visits with a pharmacist improved BP control among patients at rural nephrology clinics and reduced hospitalization, a speaker at the Hypertension Scientific Sessions reported. Read more.