What is the correct arm position for measuring blood pressure?

The correct position of the arm when measuring blood pressure is important for an accurate measurement.

The arm on which the measurement is taken should be at heart level. If the arm is too low, the blood pressure may appear higher than it actually is; if the arm is too high, the blood pressure may appear lower.

If you rest your arm on your lap during a blood pressure measurement, this can lead to an overestimated systolic blood pressure measurement of 3.9 mmHg and an overestimated diastolic measurement of 4 mmHg. And if you let your arm hang at your side, this can lead to an overestimated systolic measurement of 6.5 mmHg and an overestimated diastolic measurement of 4.4 mmHg.

The arm should be completely relaxed and supported, for example on a table or armrest. Tension in the arm muscles can affect the blood pressure measurement.



It is recommended to measure blood pressure while sitting comfortably, with your back resting against a chair, feet flat on the floor and legs uncrossed.

The palm should face up and the cuff should be placed around the upper arm, approximately 2-3 cm above the elbow crease. Make sure that there is no clothing under the cuff. Clothing can affect the accuracy of the measurement.

By maintaining this posture and steps, you will get a more reliable blood pressure measurement.

Source: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2824754

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-10-08 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025