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Johns Hopkins blood pressure measurement study

Overview

A study led by Johns Hopkins researchers and published in JAMA Internal Medicine indicates that improper arm positioning during blood pressure measurements can cause significant inaccuracies. The research, involving 133 adults, found that letting the arm hang unsupported at the side increased systolic pressure by an average of 6.5 mmHg and diastolic pressure by 4.4 mmHg. Resting the arm on the lap also resulted in increased readings.

Researchers noted that these discrepancies, which may stem from muscle contraction or gravity when the arm is below heart level, are particularly concerning near clinical thresholds for hypertension. Such errors could lead to incorrect diagnoses or unnecessary medication. To ensure accuracy, guidelines recommend sitting quietly for five minutes, supporting the back, keeping feet flat on the floor, and resting the arm on a stable surface at heart level.

Entities

JAMA Internal Medicine · American Heart Association · Johns Hopkins University · Johns Hopkins Medicine

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Improper arm positioning can skew blood pressure readings

    A Johns Hopkins study warns that improper arm positioning during blood pressure checks can cause inaccurate, elevated readings, potentially affecting medical diagnoses and treatments.

  2. [HEALTH] 5 sources
    Johns Hopkins study finds arm position affects blood pressure accuracy

    A Johns Hopkins study reveals that improper arm positioning during blood pressure checks can artificially inflate readings, potentially leading to incorrect medical diagnoses and unnecessary treatments.

Sources

ad-hoc-news.de · akhbarona.com · al-wattan.net · hna.de · knowridge.com · merkur-online.de · tz-online.de