Proper technique for taking bp - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

bjz823 · 09-26-2007, 04:43 AM

When I was in my GYNs office the nurse went to take my bp and I held my arm up about breast level. She said you can put your arm down and relax. I expected her to support my arm so it was level and not hanging down. I just arrived at my doctors office and was rushing but I believe she should have never taken it hanging down.

She got a reading of 158/104 and then required me to go back to my primary DR. to get medical clearance for surgery although I had just had a physical. So since I have been checking my blood pressure and it has been normal less than 140/90. I also realized tonight that I might have been taking it wrong and having my arm hanging down also. I noticed when I support my arm on a table it is about 125/77 on average but if I let it hang down I will get a higher reading again.

So does that make that much difference?

tamuprof45 · 09-26-2007, 08:29 AM

It makes a huge difference. The arm should be at heart level, back supported, legs on the floor. ALSO, "cuff anxiety" can be a factor with that first reading as well.

tamuprof45

bjz823 · 09-26-2007, 03:09 PM

ty for your reply. Ok the whole reason I am going to my Dr again to spend more money getting a EKG and chest xray and physical again(to get medical clearance for sugery to have a tubal) when I just had one is because the nurse did my bp when my arm was hanging down and got a high reading. I am over weight and I had just been walking fast down the halls to get to my appt. so I was swinging my arms pretty good. then they took me right away and got my bp first thing.

joefine · 10-03-2007, 12:11 AM

I have noticed that they almost always like to take your blood pressure with your arm hanging down as opposed to the proper way, at heart level, which gives lower readings. Often they like to try to get you to talk or laugh while they are taking the bp, and this also gives higher readings.

bjz823 · 10-03-2007, 04:26 AM

well the last time I was in the offiice they smirked at me for asking to hold it level. They had me sitting on the exam table with my legs dangling and no back support and arm down. Then when I asked them to take it again a bit later they said it wont make a difference.