Hi,

I had a question about the proper position for taking a blood pressure reading. I use a cuff-type unit that auto-inflates.

If I take a reading while resting my forearm on a table while in a chair, my forearm is then well below my chest. With this position, my BP can be somewhat high. But if I prop my wrist up on something so it is almost level with my upper arm (that is, my arm is more or less straight and a just a little lower than my chest), my BP reading is usually significantly lower.

For example, I just took a reading with my forearm resting on the table and my BP was 138/84. I then took it propped up on a small box so my arm was almost straight and the BP was 129/77. This difference is not from relaxing after one reading... I've experimented with doing one position first, then the other, and it's always lower with my arm propped up.

I've read that a proper reading should be taken with your arm level with your heart. Does this mean propping my arm up is the right position, as it bring my arm up just below my chest? Does anyone have any input on this?

thank you.

Good question. I have trouble with this, also.

Per Dr Rowena:
Blood pressure needs to be taken properly for an accurate reading. To see a clinical guideline giving correct instructions and appropriate cuff sizes click here: http://guidelines.gov/summary/summary.aspx...an+AND+arterial

Breathe Easy!
Marguerite (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)