Can blood pressure cuff give false reading?

The most common error when using indirect blood pressure measuring equipment is using an incorrectly sized cuff. A BP cuff that is too large will give falsely low readings, while an overly small cuff will provide readings that are falsely high.

How does arm position affect blood pressure?

Mean blood pressure was lowest with the arm supported at heart height and highest with the arm dependent, the difference averaging 8 mmHg for both systolic and diastolic pressure and being greater for men than for women.

When applying the cuff around the patient’s arm it should be wrapped at least above the bend of the arm?

Wrap the blood pressure cuff around your bare upper arm. The lower edge of the cuff should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the bend of your elbow.

Should arm be above heart when taking blood pressure?

Patient’s arm should be supported at heart level. If the upper arm is below the level of the right atrium, the readings will be too high; if the upper arm is above heart level, the readings will be too low.

Does cuff size affect blood pressure readings?

Does cuff size affect blood pressure readings? Using a blood pressure cuff that’s too large or too small can give you inaccurate blood pressure readings. Your doctor’s office should have several sizes of cuffs to ensure an accurate blood pressure reading. When you measure your blood pressure at home, it’s important to use the proper size cuff.

What are the characteristics of cuff and bladder for blood pressure?

The characteristics of cuff and bladder for blood pressure (BP) measurement in relation to arm size are still controversial. Not only does the choice of the appropriate cuff depend on the circumference of the arm, but also on its shape which in most obese subjects is tronco-conical.

Are conically shaped blood pressure cuffs suitable for obese patients?

In contrast, when a tronco-conical cuff was used, accurate BP readings were obtained. In obese individuals with a short upper arm, a valid alternative may be the use of devices that measure BP at the forearm. Recently, manufacturers have produced conically shaped cuffs for forearm monitors intended for obese patients.

Where is the lower end of a blood pressure cuff located?

Measuring Blood Pressure. The lower end of the blood pressure cuff is placed 2-3 cm above the antecubital fossa, which should be at approximately the same vertical height as the heart while allowing room for the stethoscope.