The study found that when the patient’s arm is placed on their lap or left unsupported, systolic pressure (the top number in the reading) can be overestimated by 3.9 to 6.5 mmHg, while diastolic pressure (the bottom number) can be overestimated by 4.0 to 4.4 mmHg.

The researchers emphasize the importance of following clinical guidelines that recommend supporting the arm at heart level on a desk to obtain accurate readings. A misdiagnosis of hypertension due to incorrect arm positioning can lead to unnecessary treatments or medication adjustments. This study highlights the need for both healthcare professionals and patients to ensure proper arm positioning during blood pressure checks, as this can have significant health implications, particularly for those being assessed for cardiovascular risk.

These findings underscore the importance of adhering to best practices in clinical settings to avoid inflated readings and ensure more accurate diagnoses.