Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have published a study in JAMA Internal Medicine examining how arm position influences blood pressure readings.
Many patients have their blood pressure measured with their arm resting in their lap or without support.
However, according to the researchers, the arm should rest on a table at heart level to provide the most accurate results.
The study included 133 adults between the ages of 18 and 80, according to SciTechDaily.
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Readings increased
The researchers compared three different arm positions. When participants rested their arm in their lap, systolic blood pressure increased by nearly 4 mmHg on average.
When the arm hung freely by the side, the reading increased by around 6.5 mmHg.
According to the researchers, even small differences can affect whether a person is considered to have high blood pressure.
Other errors
The study also suggests that many home blood pressure measurements may be inaccurate.
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For example, some people sit on the sofa or hold their arm incorrectly during the measurement.
The researchers therefore stress that proper body positioning is important. Patients should sit upright with their feet flat on the floor and their arm supported on a table.
A simple mistake in arm position can lead to blood pressure readings that are too high and, in some cases, increase the risk of an incorrect diagnosis.
Sources: SciTechDaily and JAMA Internal Medicine.
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