Arm position and blood pressure readings: The ARMS crossover randomized clinical trial (7 October 2024)

Summary

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).

This study looked at the effect of commonly used arm positions on blood pressure (BP) measurements compared to the standard, recommended position.

It found that commonly used, nonstandard arm positions during BP measurements substantially overestimate BP, highlighting the need for standardised positioning.