Arm position can inflate blood pressure readings, Johns Hopkins study finds
A Johns Hopkins crossover study shows that arm posture during blood pressure checks—in particular dangling or unsupported arms—can raise readings by as much as about 7 mmHg compared with a desk-supported posture, potentially shifting a patient from elevated to stage 2 hypertension. The findings suggest that proper desk-level arm support, correct cuff sizing, and clear in-clinic reminders could improve accuracy and prevent misdiagnoses and unnecessary treatments, both in clinics and at home.
