A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers has revealed that arm positioning during blood pressure measurements can significantly impact the accuracy of results. The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, compared three arm positions: supported on a desk, supported on the lap, and unsupported at the side.
Findings showed that lap support and unsupported arm positions led to overestimations in systolic blood pressure readings by nearly 4 mmHg and 7 mmHg, respectively. These results emphasize the importance of following clinical guidelines, which recommend firm arm support on a desk or similar surface for accurate blood pressure measurements. The researchers stress that proper arm positioning is crucial for avoiding potential misdiagnosis of hypertension and underscore the need for both healthcare providers and patients to be aware of and adhere to these best practices.