Question What is the effect of commonly used arm positions on blood pressure (BP) measurements compared to the standard, recommended position?

Arm Position and Blood Pressure Readings: The ARMS Crossover Randomized Clinical Trial

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2024-10-08 17:00:10

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.

Importance Guidelines for blood pressure (BP) measurement recommend arm support on a desk with the midcuff positioned at heart level. Still, nonstandard positions are used in clinical practice (eg, with arm resting on the lap or unsupported on the side).

Design, Setting, and Participants This crossover randomized clinical trial recruited adults between the ages of 18 and 80 years in Baltimore, Maryland, from August 9, 2022, to June 1, 2023.