New research shows that improper arm positioning can inflate blood pressure readings by up to 9 mm Hg, highlighting the urgent need for clinicians to prioritize correct measurement techniques to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. Arm Position and Blood Pressure Readings - The ARMS Crossover Randomized Clinical Trial . Image Credit: PK289 / Shutterstock In a recent study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers assessed the impact of different arm positions on blood pressure (BP) readings during clinical measurements.
Background Hypertension, a major cause of cardiovascular disease and preventable death, requires accurate BP measurement for effective diagnosis and management. Guidelines emphasize correct arm positioning, but this is often overlooked, especially in resource-limited settings. Limited research has focused on the impact of improper arm positioning on BP readings.
Further studies are needed to understand the long-term clinical effects and how improper positioning affects different populations and healthcare environments. About the study Substantial Overestimation: Unsupported arm positioning can overestimate systolic blood pressure by up to 9 mm Hg in hypertensive patients, leading to potentially significant diagnostic errors. The present crossover trial was conducted among adults in Baltimore, Maryland.
Participants were randomly assigned to undergo BP measurements in three different arm positions: (1) arm supported on a desk at mid-.