Incorrect arm position causes increased blood pressure readings

The study was conducted by experts at Johns Hopkins University (USA) and published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine . Scientists said that when measuring blood pressure, placing the arm in the wrong position compared to the recommendation and not resting on anything can cause the blood pressure measurement results to increase, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Incorrect arm position can cause incorrect blood pressure readings and higher than the actual reading.

The team conducted the study on 133 adults, aged 18 to 80. They were randomly divided into three groups. The first group had their blood pressure measured with their arms in the recommended position. The second group rested their arms on their thighs. The third group had their arms relaxed and placed close to their hips.

After analyzing the collected data, the team of scientists discovered that placing the arm on the thigh when measuring blood pressure can cause the systolic blood pressure to be 3.9 mmHg higher and the diastolic blood pressure to be 4 mmHg higher. Meanwhile, leaving the arm in a relaxed position, placed close to the hip, causes the systolic blood pressure to be 6.5 mmHg higher and the diastolic blood pressure to be 4.4 mmHg higher. The group that placed the arm in the correct position as recommended had the most accurate measurement results.

The study authors recommend that healthcare professionals pay attention to the importance of arm position when measuring blood pressure, as whether or not a person needs to take measures to treat high blood pressure depends heavily on the results of the blood pressure measurement.

To measure blood pressure correctly

When measuring blood pressure, the person being measured can lie down, stand or sit. Both feet should be placed on the floor, legs should not be crossed. The elbow should be placed at the same level as the heart and supported by something. This position should be maintained throughout the measurement.

Additionally, to ensure accurate measurement results, people should rest and stop moving for at least 5 to 10 minutes. Within 2 hours before the measurement, do not use coffee, alcohol, tobacco or other stimulants, according to Healthline.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dat-canh-tay-sai-tu-the-khien-ket-qua-do-huyet-ap-tang-185241023191408.htm