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A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine highlights the potential risk of misdiagnosing hypertension due to nonstandard arm positions during blood pressure (BP) measurement. The research found that improper positioning could result in falsely elevated BP readings, emphasizing the need for a standardized approach.
Study Overview
The study involved 133 adults who were randomly assigned different arm positions during BP measurement. Researchers compared three positions:
- Standard position: Arm supported on a desk at heart level.
- Lap position: Hand resting on the lap.
- Side position: Arm hanging at the side.
Findings revealed that systolic blood pressure (SBP) was overestimated by an average of 3.9 mm Hg in the lap position and 6.5 mm Hg in the side position. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was also overestimated by 4.0 mm Hg and 4.4 mm Hg, respectively.
Implications for Hypertension Diagnosis
Researchers warned that using these nonstandard arm positions could lead to overdiagnosis of hypertension, potentially resulting in unnecessary treatments or lifestyle interventions. They strongly recommend healthcare providers adhere to the desk-supported arm position to ensure accuracy and reduce errors in diagnosing high blood pressure.
Expert Recommendations
To improve BP measurement accuracy, experts advise:
- Ensuring the arm is fully supported at heart level.
- Avoiding dangling or unsupported arm positions.
- Taking multiple readings to confirm accuracy.
- Training healthcare professionals on proper measurement techniques.
With hypertension being a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, this study underscores the importance of proper BP measurement protocols.
Source: JAMA Internal Medicine
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations regarding blood pressure measurement and management.
