want to know - education
2007-01-19 03:07:49 · 14 answers · asked by nickste5 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
why do people say its better to place the cuff on the left arm?
2007-01-19 03:15:34 · update #1
ive gotten my sources from the net, most say " on the arm" while other say on the left arm but dont say why
2007-01-19 03:23:20 · update #2
it doesn't. the blood pressure will be slightly different on each arm but not significantly so.
It is only necessary for the cuff to be above a pulse point as it is the sounds of the heartbeat in response to the inflated cuff that gives a blood pressure.
I have had cause to use the wrist and the legs to check a patient's blood pressure.
2007-01-19 11:18:06 · answer #1 · answered by mandy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't have to be on the left side. The blood pressure should be the same for both sides.
As for being at heart level, it is more because that leaves enough space below the cuff to check the pulse sounds at the brachial artery.
Most doctor offices just tend to set things up with the equipment on the left side. Also, most people are right handed, so they can still use that hand for things if needed while the BP is checked. Even most ambulances have it set up so the patient's cot is in such a way that the left side is the easier side to access.
If the patient has an I.V. or a shunt in the left side, it is preferred to use the right side. Also, if they have trauma to only one arm, the other arm should be used.
2007-01-19 03:19:22 · answer #2 · answered by Garylian 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you are mistaken... I was just at the doc's office for a check up yesterday and the cuff was on my right arm, right above my elbow, so approximately at heart level.
When you are taking the blood pressure at home, by yourself it is easier for a right handed person to position the cuff on their left arm, so many references will suggest that.
If using a wrist cuff, the cuff needs to be at the same height as the chest or you will get elevated or reduced readings.
The website below suggests taking a reading on EACH arm and using the higher one. It also has other information about taking blood pressure readings.
2007-01-19 03:21:35 · answer #3 · answered by Annie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't. It can be taken in either arm. You get a much better reading if you take the reading from the upper arm. Some of those machines in stores put the cuff in the lower arm and you don't get a good, true reading that way.
But either arm is fine.
2007-01-19 03:13:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't. And everytime I have my BP taken, normally 2 or 3 times a week, my arm is rested on a cushion on my lap.
2007-01-19 03:14:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have always had it taken on my right arm between the shoulder and the elbow. I have my blood pressure taken every 3 months by different nurses and they always use the right arm. Don't think it makes any difference.
2007-01-19 03:17:31 · answer #6 · answered by Carrie S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it use to be taken on the arm that u dont write with. if u was left handed then it would be taken on ur right and vice versa.dont know why maybe its an old wives tale..x
2007-01-19 06:06:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it doesnt, it can be on the right side too, the reason it needs to be at heart level is that if your arm is higher it will give a false low, if its lower it could give a false high
2007-01-19 03:11:34 · answer #8 · answered by Brian 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know where you've got hold of that one from - I have mine taken on both arms depending (it seems!) on what the Doctor had for breakfast!
2007-01-19 03:20:08 · answer #9 · answered by twistin git 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reason for that is because your Harte is on the left side and you hare the flow of the blood better.
2007-01-19 03:43:13 · answer #10 · answered by bwaaaare 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋