IMPROPER ARM POSITION CAN DISTORT BLOOD PRESSURE READINGS

Accuracy of your blood pressure readings depends on how you hold your arm while measuring blood pressure. According to a US study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, certain arm positions can significantly overestimate test results and may lead to a misdiagnosis of hypertension.

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For the study, researchers examined the effects of three different arm positions on 133 adults, 18 to 80 years old: an arm supported on a desk, supported on a lap and hanging at the patient's side.

Participants had their blood pressure taken three times in each position and a fourth set of measurements with their arm supported on a desk.