Key Points
Question What is the effect of commonly used arm positions on blood pressure (BP) measurements compared to the standard, recommended position?
Findings This crossover randomized clinical trial of 133 adults showed that supporting the arm on the lap overestimated systolic BP by 3.9 mm Hg and diastolic BP by 4.0 mm Hg. An unsupported arm at the side overestimated systolic BP by 6.5 mm Hg and diastolic BP by 4.4 mm Hg, with consistent results across subgroups.
Meaning Commonly used, nonstandard arm positions during BP measurements substantially overestimate BP, highlighting the need for standardized positioning.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2824754
2 Medical News 