Measuring Blood Pressure

Contributor 2013

Hi,

I've been googling before anyone asks: I'm wondering if anyone here has the experience/expertise's to confirm my thoughts on the matter.

When your blood pressure is measured, using a machine or a stethoscope your elbow should be placed on a hard surface near heart level?

Most of what I've read online suggests this is correct, however I had my pressure checked by someone who did not place my elbow on a hard surface and proceeded to tell me my blood pressure was exceedingly high.

If my elbow was not placed on a hard surface, would this effect the reading (making it seem higher?) or not?

I've invested in a machine for reading pressure and the 4 times I used it myself and also had another person check it for me (with a separate machine, different location), my pressure looks normal.

Anyone have any experience of this?

Thanks in advance.

Anita Blow

Contributor 2013 wrote: »

Hi,

I've been googling before anyone asks: I'm wondering if anyone here has the experience/expertise's to confirm my thoughts on the matter.

When your blood pressure is measured, using a machine or a stethoscope your elbow should be placed on a hard surface near heart level?

Most of what I've read online suggests this is correct, however I had my pressure checked by someone who did not place my elbow on a hard surface and proceeded to tell me my blood pressure was exceedingly high.

If my elbow was not placed on a hard surface, would this effect the reading (making it seem higher?) or not?

I've invested in a machine for reading pressure and the 4 times I used it myself and also had another person check it for me (with a separate machine, different location), my pressure looks normal.

Anyone have any experience of this?

Thanks in advance.

I'd always place the arm on a folded pillow generally just below heart level. The most important thing is that it's relaxed and the patient isn't holding the arm up themselves. Don't think getting it at heart level is too important clinically