Arm on doc's desk is best for accurate blood pressure readings

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-10-08 02:00

International

Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash

Having your blood pressure taken with your arm in your lap, or by your side, rather than on a doctor's desk may lead to higher blood pressure BP readings and could lead to misdiagnosis of high blood pressure, according to international research. The study compared blood pressure readings of around 130 people taken with the arm in three different positions, supported on a desk (the recommended way), with the hand supported on the lap, and with the arm unsupported at the side. They found that the lap and side positions resulted in significantly higher blood pressure readings than desk positions. The authors say these higher readings could lead to a substantial number of people being overdiagnosed with high blood pressure.

Media release

From: JAMA

Arm Position and Blood Pressure Readings

JAMA Internal Medicine
Original Investigation

About The Study: This crossover randomized clinical trial showed that commonly used arm positions (lap or side) resulted in substantial overestimation of blood pressure readings and may lead to misdiagnosis and overestimation of hypertension.

(doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.5213)

Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.

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Journal/
conference: JAMA Internal Medicine

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: Johns Hopkins University, USA

Funder: This study was supported by Resolve to Save Lives. Resolve to Save Lives is funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gates Philanthropy Partners, which is funded with support from the Chan Zuckerberg Foundation.

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