7 blood pressure mistakes that could be throwing off your readings

Study: Cutting a teaspoon of salt works just as well as blood pressure medications

FOX News' medical contributor Dr. Janette Nesheiwat on the latest study of the correlation of salt and blood pressure

The average "normal" blood pressure is 120/80, according to the American Heart Association. (iStock)

Certain arm positions can lead to inflated results and misdiagnoses of hypertension, research has shown. (iStock)

"If the average blood pressure reading is greater than 130/80, they have stage I hypertension and should be evaluated by their primary care provider," a cardiologist said. (iStock)

In most cases, making lifestyle changes such as improving your diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight can help keep blood pressure within a safe range, according to the AHA. (iStock)