THE EFFECT OF BODY AND ARM POSITIONS ON BLOOD PRESSURE READINGS
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Abstract
Background: Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the arteries as it is pumped by the heart. It is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and expressed as two numbers: Systolic BP (the pressure during heart contraction) over diastolic BP (the pressure during relaxation). Hypertension and hypotension are two common conditions associated with blood pressure dysregulation. Accurate measurement of BP is crucial in diagnosing and managing hypertension, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and kidney failure. Body and arm positioning significantly affect the accuracy of blood pressure readings. Purpose: This study is to investigate the effect of body and arm positions on blood pressure readings.
Methods: The study checks the blood pressure of 60 student participants using a digital and a mercury sphygmomanometer to compare the difference in readings obtained before the digital sphygmomanometer was then used to measure the blood pressure of 60 staff of the University of Benin.
Results: The difference between the digital sphygmomanometer readings against mercury sphygmomanometer was determined to not be statistically significant (P>0.05). The findings show that the difference between the blood pressure values derived from the standard blood pressure measurement posture compared to the other 9 different arm and body positions used in this study was determined to be statistically significant (P-value <0.0001).
Conclusion: Body and arm positioning have significant effects on blood pressure readings, regardless of sex, age, or body mass index. Improper positioning such as unsupported back, crossed legs, or arm below heart level results in elevated readings that may lead to overestimation of blood pressure and potential misdiagnosis of hypertension. Digital sphygmomanometers can provide reliable results if proper blood pressure measurement techniques are followed.
Methods: The study checks the blood pressure of 60 student participants using a digital and a mercury sphygmomanometer to compare the difference in readings obtained before the digital sphygmomanometer was then used to measure the blood pressure of 60 staff of the University of Benin.
Results: The difference between the digital sphygmomanometer readings against mercury sphygmomanometer was determined to not be statistically significant (P>0.05). The findings show that the difference between the blood pressure values derived from the standard blood pressure measurement posture compared to the other 9 different arm and body positions used in this study was determined to be statistically significant (P-value <0.0001).
Conclusion: Body and arm positioning have significant effects on blood pressure readings, regardless of sex, age, or body mass index. Improper positioning such as unsupported back, crossed legs, or arm below heart level results in elevated readings that may lead to overestimation of blood pressure and potential misdiagnosis of hypertension. Digital sphygmomanometers can provide reliable results if proper blood pressure measurement techniques are followed.
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