Impact on variation in the direction of cuff bladder on blood pressure readings

Abstract

Introduction: Elevated blood pressure (BP)/hypertension contributes significantly to global morbidity and mortality. It is a silent killer; therefore, earlier diagnosis is imperative. A simple instrument called sphygmomanometer measures BP. Getting an accurate and precise reading is essential for making the diagnosis. Our study sorts to determine if there is any significant change in BP readings when the bladder cuff is inverted during BP measurement. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 540 individuals who were consecutively recruited from the outpatient clinics over a year period. BP was measured with a mercury sphygmomanometer in three postures of sitting, standing, and supine comparing the standard protocol (control) and our designed protocol of inverted cuff (test). Results: The mean systolic and diastolic BP for all the postures for both sexes were significantly corresponding for both test positions in majority of the age groups; all observed differences in means were