Learned something today
By BarBaraPrz
@BarBaraPrz (47254)
St. Catharines, Ontario
October 8, 2024 8:12am CST
Apparently, the position of your arm when having your blood pressure taken can give different readings. The study tested three positions: arm resting on the table, arm resting in one's lap, and arm dangling down (which gave the highest reading).
Which makes me wonder: what if I raised my arm above my head? Would it give an even better reading?
9 people like this
8 responses
@marguicha (222746)
• Chile
8 Oct
I knew about the arm position but never thought about an arm above one´s head.
3 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (47254)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
8 Oct
How to cheat at blood pressure 101.
2 people like this
@marguicha (222746)
• Chile
8 Oct
@BarBaraPrz Yup! Only you can´t do it if the doctor is watching.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (177809)
• United States
9 Oct
I've been getting my blood pressure taken on my lower arm. It's much less painful. Have a good day.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (177809)
• United States
11 Oct
@porwest They always make it too tight for me.
2 people like this
@changjiangzhibin89 (16754)
• China
8 Oct
Your arm should be at the same level as your heart when take your blood presure.It will give lower readings if raise your arm above your head.
2 people like this
@somewitch (1385)
•
8 Oct
I was always told to rest my arm on the table, I knew there was a reason but now I know why. But I never thought of raising my arm above my head.
I'm usually anxious and just follow instructions when blood pressure is taken.
2 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (47254)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
8 Oct
That's about the only 'test' I don't mind.
1 person likes this
@somewitch (1385)
•
10 Oct
@porwest That's a reasonable threat to be anxious about. In my case I think it's just the fear of the cuff that squeezes too hard.
2 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (47254)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
9 Oct
According to this article, I suppose standing up would give a higher reading?
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (339414)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Oct
@BarBaraPrz Vince says typically it would go up a little bit but not always.
1 person likes this