Correct Body Position For Blood Pressure Measurement

When the blood pressure bp is measured the arm should be at the level of the heartin other words in the sitting and standing positions the arm should be extended out straight and should be about 2 3 inches below the shoulder to approximate the level of the heart. If it is above the level of heart the reading is likely to be low and if it is below the heart the reading is likely to be high. Doctors consider blood pressure to be one of the best gauges of a persons cardiovascular health.
correct body position for blood pressure measurement

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World health organization who guidelines recommend that the blood pressure bp should be routinely measured in sitting or supine followed by standing position providing that the arm of the patient is placed at the level of the right atrium in each position.

Correct body position for blood pressure measurement. The aim of our study was to test the influence of body and arm position on bp measurement in diabetic patients. The arm being used should be relaxed uncovered and supported at the level of the heart. If youre curious in which position sitting lying down or standing blood pressure is normally the highest its likely standing. David guss director of emergency medicine at the university of california at san diego medical center.

That could be enough to hide high blood pressure start you on a drug you dont really need or lead your doctor to incorrectly adjust your medications. In general blood pressure should be measured while you are seated comfortably. So the blood pressure value that exists in most guidelines for example jnc 8 is measured in the sitting position. But even if your numbers are high your doctor may encourage you to come in and retake your blood pressure in a few weeks or measure it every day at home to verify that its true hypertension and not the result of some other issue affecting you.

How you prepare for the test the position of your arm and other factors can change a blood pressure reading by 10 or more. Its best to take blood pressure from the left arm if possible rest in a chair next to a table for five to 10 minutes. Arm position is important and it should be consistent from measurement to measurement says study co author dr. Your left arm should rest comfortably at heart level.

Also the blood pressure varies with the posture of the body in which the measurement is taken. Proper positioning is vital in obtaining accurate blood pressure readings.