Talking increases nervous system activity

According to Verywell Health, the sympathetic nervous system regulates heart and blood vessel activity. When conversing, the brain receives and processes information, then generates responses, causing the body to work more than when at rest. This can lead to a faster heart rate and changes in blood vessels, resulting in temporary blood pressure fluctuations.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that individuals being measured should sit still, relax for at least 5 minutes, and refrain from talking during the measurement to minimize inaccurate results.

Talking can alter breathing patterns

When speaking, the rhythm and manner of breathing change with each sentence. These alterations can affect heart activity and circulation, leading to short-term blood pressure fluctuations. Therefore, individuals should maintain natural breathing and limit conversation during the measurement process.

A patient is having their blood pressure measured. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital.

A patient is having their blood pressure measured. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital.

Movements during conversation affect readings

During conversation, many individuals unconsciously turn their heads, change posture, or move their hands. Such movements can cause the arm to shift from its correct position or muscles to tense, thereby affecting the measurement results. The AHA recommends that individuals sit with their back supported by a chair, feet flat on the floor, and the cuffed arm supported at heart level.

Conversation content can trigger emotional responses

Not all conversations affect blood pressure equally. Content that induces anxiety, nervousness, or anger can trigger a stress response, causing the heart to beat faster, blood vessels to constrict, and blood pressure to temporarily rise. Therefore, individuals should remain silent while the device is operating.

To minimize inaccuracies, individuals should rest for at least 5 minutes before measurement and avoid exercise, smoking, or consuming caffeine in the 30 minutes prior. If monitoring at home, measurements should be taken two times, approximately one minute apart, and the results recorded.

Le Nguyen