Hypertension has always been a major concern for many people, which prompts many of them to measure their blood pressure regularly. The posture for measuring blood pressure varies depending on the environment. Standard postures for blood pressure measurement include sitting upright and lying flat, and there are also certain requirements for the height of the wrist.
1. Sitting Posture: When measuring blood pressure in a sitting position, you can choose to sit upright. Take a seated position with the arm used for blood pressure measurement placed flat on the table, ensuring that the table is parallel to the heart. Keep the arm straight, and the blood pressure measurer should face the patient. Upper arm blood pressure can also be measured in a seated position, with the arm resting flat on the table. The cuff for blood pressure measurement on the upper arm should be aligned with the heart.
2. Lying Flat Posture: Blood pressure can also be measured in a supine position, lying flat on a bed or any other flat surface. Keep both feet straight and both hands flat and straight. The blood pressure measurer should sit on the patient's right side. This position generally provides more accurate results as it is less likely to be affected by changes in body posture. The supine position is mainly used during hospitalization and at home.
3. Attention to Wrist Height: When measuring blood pressure, attention should be paid to the height of the wrist. If using a wrist blood pressure monitor, the wrist should be level with the heart. If in a supine position, only the upper arm can be used for blood pressure measurement. Before measuring, patients should be instructed to urinate and rest for 10 minutes to obtain more accurate results. Patients should be encouraged to relax and avoid tension to obtain a more accurate blood pressure value.
