Blood Pressure and Heart Disease: The Importance of Proper Arm Position During Testing

Blood pressure screening can significantly be affected by the arm position a patient takes during the test. A new study finds that following current guidelines while measuring your blood pressure is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis of hypertension, especially in cases of heart disease. Researchers assessed various arm positions—supporting the arm on a desk, resting it on the lap, and allowing it to hang unsupported. The findings indicated that a lap-supported arm overestimated systolic and diastolic pressures by approximately 4 mmHg, while an unsupported arm increased systolic pressure readings by nearly 7 mmHg.

The American Heart Association emphasizes that the blood pressure cuff should be placed at mid-heart level on a desk-supported arm for optimal accuracy. Additionally, correct cuff size and positioning legs flat on the floor are crucial during the screening process. The senior study author highlights the need for healthcare providers to adhere closely to these guidelines, and advocates for patients to self-advocate both in clinical settings and when measuring blood pressure at home.