The effect of body position and Sphygmomanometer cuff size on the measurement of blood pressure

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in children's blood pressure in different body positions and different measurement conditions. Materials and Methods: Children aged between 3 to 12 years who were referred to the Sheikh Children's Hospital's Clinic for regular check-up entered in to the study. The blood pressure of the subjects was measured. Patients were divided into 5 groups: in the first group only the blood pressure was measured in standing and sitting positions; in the second group, the blood pressure was measured in supine and sitting positions, in the third group the blood pressure was measured by small and normal cuff; in the fourth group, the blood pressure was measured by large and normal cuff, and in the last group, blood pressure was measured with and without patients' clothes on. Results: Overall 180 cases entered in to our study. A significant difference was found between blood pressure measured by small and normal cuff, so that the blood pressure measured by small cuff was significantly higher than that of the normal cuff (P 0.05). Conclusion: The present study emphasizes the importance of choosing a suitable cuff and measuring blood pressure without covering in the upper extremity by clothes.