Several times, now, I’ve been with my parents when they’ve had their blood pressure (BP) taken. How can medical providers get the best reading if they do not settle people into the recommended position for the best results?
Medline Plus, part of the National Library of Medicine, posts instructions for taking blood pressure and getting reliable readings, including the paragraph below.
Your arm should be supported, with your upper arm at heart level, back supported, legs uncrossed, and feet on the floor. Your upper arm should be bare, with your sleeve comfortably rolled up.
Your arm should be supported, with your upper arm at heart level, back supported, legs uncrossed, and feet on the floor. Your upper arm should be bare, with your sleeve comfortably rolled up.
Usually I am sitting on an examining table with arms and legs dangling. Ditto for my parents. When was the last time a person in a medical practice took your blood pressure with your arms, legs, and back supported?
As Our Parents Age So Do We 
Good point. I wonder how it makes a difference though. I don’t think I have ever been ‘properly positioned’ for a blood pressure check – except in those automated checkers at K-mart!
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Great post! Some people may have been not proper positions during a blood pressure check.
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