Posted on 08/10/2023 8:49:11 AM PDT by ConservativeMind
Miscuffing results in inaccurate blood pressure (BP) measurements, according to a study.
Junichi Ishigami, M.D., M.P.H. and colleagues examined the effects of using a regular BP cuff versus an appropriately sized BP cuff on automated BP readings in a randomized crossover trial of community-dwelling adults. A total of 195 adults underwent four sets of triplicate BP measurements, using an appropriate, too-small, or too-large BP cuff in random order, followed by a fourth set with an appropriate BP cuff. The difference in mean BP when measured with a regular BP cuff compared to an appropriate BP cuff was assessed as the primary outcome.
The researchers found that use of a regular BP cuff resulted in a statistically significantly lower BP reading among those requiring a small BP cuff (mean systolic BP difference, −3.6 mm Hg). In contrast, use of a regular BP cuff resulted in a statistically significantly higher BP reading among individuals requiring a large or extra-large cuff (mean systolic BP difference, 4.8 and 19.5 mm Hg, respectively). Among those requiring larger BP cuffs, BP differences with overcuffing and undercuffing by one and two cuff sizes were higher.
"Using a regular BP cuff size for all individuals regardless of arm size resulted in strikingly inaccurate BP readings," the authors write. "A renewed emphasis on individualized BP cuff selection is warranted, particularly in individuals with larger arm sizes."
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
When the nurse at my doctor’s office takes my BP it’ll typically read about 10 points lower on both the top and bottom reading when she uses a large cuff instead of regular.
Also note they keep lowering the “ideal” blood pressure you should be at. I’m not saying it’s to sell more BP medicine but it does make me wonder.
They want it at 0/0....................
I agree. Suddenly I was hypertensive.
Most of the BP stuff is generic so not sure how much dough is involved.
In a 'died suddenly' kind of way.
What does this even mean? Aren’t all cuffs of the velcro type that wrap around? So does right-sized cuff mean one that is snug, but not too loose or too tight?
I can take my BP 3 or 4 times in a row and get notably different readings, with a decent system.
“I’m not saying it’s to sell more BP medicine but it does make me wonder”
You shouldn’t wonder, at the end of the day, anything medically related in this country is a business.
My wife worked in admin at a cardiologist office and also worked in medical billing......from what shes tells me from 1st hand experience.....it’s a racket. 😏
Hey, Doctors got Porsche payments too...(and Lexus for the spouse).
The gizmos are not expensive.
If you get high readings in the doc’s office, don’t believe them until you have done a careful study of your own.
The VA had me measure at home, morning and evening, 10 days in a row. Examine the measurements.
If you have BP issues, it will show up in that 10 day study. I did this and secure messaged my results to the VA. PCP said okay, you are not hypertensive, but watch this twice a year. You’re getting old and the vast majority of old folks get hypertensive. The meds are well tolerated and effective, but clearly don’t start them until you need them.
VA’s target for old folks is 140/90. There are many studies saying go lower, but not elderly specific. The old dare not get dizzy on stairs. So their number is 140/90.
Most people won’t do that 10 day effort. They should. It’s not complex.
Oh no….!
Cuffs vary not only in their length…but also in their width.
So if the doc used the same cuff on me (with BIG arms) and my wife (literal girly arms) the cuff would cause too much compression on my wife. That would impact the number.
I never had high blood pressure (medically very low blood pressure impacted me in my youth) so it’s not much of a concern.
My MD AND my cardiologist have strongly advised me against “over monitoring” my BP.
A couple of times a week is more than enough according to them.
As important as frequency is changing up the time of day you take it. A lot of variables can affect it and a lot of people get too wound up about it IMO.....which can actually cause it to elevate.....if not careful that can turn in to a vicious cycle.
My MD drives a 10 year old Toyota Tacoma pick up.......that’s how I know I can trust him. 😏
I’m currently doing the 10 day check. Sometimes I’m at 145/88 and the next day I’m at 190/110. But I’ve had borderline high BP all my life.
Also many sites now have age corrected ideal values, the older you get, the numbers go up.
I am told I have large arms, not long, just large. If they use a regular cuff I am in an emergency BP condition. Most doctor offices have not had the larger cuff available. The only place I get a close to accurate BP is a hospital that has the larger cuffs. At home I resorted to the finger BP measurement.
That is why we have special vaxxines.
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