In general blood pressure should be measured while you are seated comfortably. If the arm is allowed to hang down straight the bp may be falsely diminished by as much as 12 mm hg.
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Correct body position for blood pressure measurement. When the blood pressure bp is measured the arm should be at the level of the heart. To get an accurate read on your blood pressure sitting in a comfortable position with your feet on the ground after resting is the best option says suzanne steinbaum do a preventive cardiologist in new york city co author of lower your blood pressure naturally and a spokesperson for the american heart association. Below its true value. In 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. Dont talk during the measurement. For this reason doctors suggest supporting your arm fully on a table or flat surface.
The inflatable part of the cuff should completely cover at least 80 of your upper arm and the cuff should be placed on bare skin not over a shirt. The position of your arm is essential a simple change in the height of your arm or hand can change the results when we measure our blood pressure at home. The researchers measured each patients blood pressure a total of six times testing two arm positions with the lower arm jutting out at a right angle to the body as if they were pointing forward or simply parallel to the upper body while they were sitting standing and lying down. The arm being used should be relaxed uncovered and supported at the level of the heart. The proportion of seated. With the arm cuff at lowers levels the hydrostatic pressure of the column of blood in between the heart and the point of measurement is higher.
The patients blood pressure was measured six times in perpendicular right angle flexed at elbow and parallel arm positions while laying sitting and standing. Whether or not you make any effort with your arm is another factor that can skew the result. Have your blood pressure measured twice with a brief break in between. Whether your blood pressure is measured at a doctors office or home the importance of the proper arm position cannot be underestimated. Proper positioning is vital in obtaining accurate blood pressure readings.
Gallery of Correct Body Position For Blood Pressure Measurement
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