The Effect of Arm Circumference and Cuff Size on Blood Pressure of Patients Registered in Erzurum Education Type Family Health Centers

Sümeyye Taş, Suat Si̇ncan

Keywords: Blood pressure, arm circumference, cuff size.

Aim:

To examine the relationship between cuff size and arm circumference and observe how these affect blood pressure by making blood pressure measurement with both standard and suitable cuffs in individuals with wide arm circumference.

Method:

The study was conducted on 527 adult patients affiliated to five family medicine units of Education Type Family Health Centers affiliated to Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine Department of Family Medicine. Participants were measured arm circumference in both arms and blood pressure measurements in both arms. In individuals with a wide arm circumference, blood pressure was measured with a cuff suitable for the arm circumference and a standard cuff, and the findings were compared.

Results:

It was found that the use of a standard cuff for measurements on both the right arm and the left arm in people with arm diameters of 33 cm and above, caused the blood pressure to be higher than the cuff suitable for the arm, around 10 mmHg in systolic pressures and 2.5 mmHg in diastolic pressures.The area under the curve was found to be 88.6% in the ROC radiography obtained using body mass index in patients with a right arm diameter of 33 cm and above. The area under the curve was found to be 88.0% in the ROC radiography obtained using body mass index in patients with left arm diameter of 33 cm and above.

Conclusions:

Blood pressure measurement with a standard cuff may cause clinically inaccurate measurements in individuals with arm diameters of 33 cm and above. Therefore, it is necessary to use a wide sleeve for these people.The positive correlation between body weight and arm circumference is known. Choosing a wide cuff, especially for those with a body mass index of 30 and above, will provide more accurate results in blood pressure measurement.

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