Doctors emphasize that maintaining the correct body posture while measuring blood pressure significantly impacts the accuracy of the results. A recent study has shown that failing to adhere to the proper positioning of the arm can lead to inaccurate readings, which may affect the accuracy of medical diagnoses.
In a study conducted by the American Heart Association and published in JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers examined the effects of arm position on blood pressure readings in 133 adults aged 18 to 80. Measurements were tested in various positions, including resting the arm on an elevated surface, placing it on the thighs while sitting, or letting it hang beside the body.
The results indicated that resting the arm on the thighs increased both systolic and diastolic readings by 4 millimeters of mercury, while letting the arm hang increased the diastolic reading by 7 millimeters and the systolic reading by 4 millimeters.
According to the medical site “Health Day,” the American Heart Association recommends positioning the arm on a flat surface level with the heart during measurements to ensure the most accurate results. Physicians also stress the importance of wearing a proper air cuff and keeping the feet flat on the ground.
The researchers highlighted the necessity for healthcare providers to adhere to blood pressure measurement protocols and create suitable conditions for accurate readings in clinical settings as well as during home monitoring.
