Title
Comparison of upper arm and forearm blood pressure
Abstract
The upper arm is the primary site used to obtain a blood pressure measurement (BPM); however, when it is not possible to use the upper arm, the forearm is a commonly used alternate site. This study determines if there is a significant difference between upper arm and forearm BPMs among adults and examines the relationship of participant characteristics to the BPM difference. A convenience sample was recruited from a low-income, independent-living, 104-apartment complex in the Midwest. Of the 106 participants, 64% were female and 89% were White. Ages ranged from 20 to 85 years (M = 50.7). The investigators calculated the BMIs (range = 18 to 42, M = 29.3, SD = 5.4) for the 89% (n = 94) of participants who reported their weight. The forearm tended to have higher BPMs than the upper arm (M difference = 4.0 mm Hg systolic, 2.3 mm Hg diastolic). However, site differences were greatest for men, obese adults, and middle aged (36 to 65) adults.
Department(s)
School of Nursing
Document Type
Article
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/1054773808324651
Keywords
Blood pressure comparison, Forearm, Upper arm
Publication Date
11-1-2008
Recommended Citation
Domiano, Kathy L., Susan M. Hinck, Debra L. Savinske, and Kathryn L. Hope. "Comparison of upper arm and forearm blood pressure." Clinical Nursing Research 17, no. 4 (2008): 241-250.
Journal Title
Clinical Nursing Research
