Effect of Arm Positions on BP measurements

[JMCx4]

From: The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) > Internal Medicine

Original Investigation ...

Arm Position and Blood Pressure Readings
The ARMS Crossover Randomized Clinical Trial ...
JAMA Intern Med. Published online October 7, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.5213

Key Points
Question What is the effect of commonly used arm positions on blood pressure (BP) measurements compared to the standard, recommended position?

Findings This crossover randomized clinical trial of 133 adults showed that supporting the arm on the lap overestimated systolic BP by 3.9 mm Hg and diastolic BP by 4.0 mm Hg. An unsupported arm at the side overestimated systolic BP by 6.5 mm Hg and diastolic BP by 4.4 mm Hg, with consistent results across subgroups.

Meaning Commonly used, nonstandard arm positions during BP measurements substantially overestimate BP, highlighting the need for standardized positioning.

Abstract
Importance Guidelines for blood pressure (BP) measurement recommend arm support on a desk with the midcuff positioned at heart level. Still, nonstandard positions are used in clinical practice (eg, with arm resting on the lap or unsupported on the side). ...


Read more at: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2824754

So much for my "white coat syndrome" ...

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