Comparison of Upper Arm and Forearm Blood Pressure

Kathy L. Domiano, Susan M. Hinck, Debra L. Savinske and Kathryn L. Hope
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Kathy L. Domiano: Missouri State University, Springfield
Susan M. Hinck: Missouri State University, Springfield
Debra L. Savinske: Missouri State University, Springfield
Kathryn L. Hope: Missouri State University, Springfield

Clinical Nursing Research, 2008, vol. 17, issue 4, 241-250

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.

Keywords: blood pressure comparison; upper arm; forearm (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2008
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:clnure:v:17:y:2008:i:4:p:241-250

DOI: 10.1177/1054773808324651

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