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What Is The Ideal Position To Measure Blood Pressure?

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Posted on Tue, 6 Oct 2015
Question: Please what is the best position to measure blood pressure? I realise when I measure standing up I get a lower figure but when seated is always a bit higher.
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Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Take BP measurement in sitting position.

Detailed Answer:

Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking no HCM!

Regarding you concern, I would explain that the best position for blood pressure measurement is comfortable sitting for at least 5 - 10 minutes, with uncrossed legs and ankles with your back supported against a chair.

You should avoid alcohol, caffeine, food and tobacco for 30 minutes before taking a measures.

This with yield BP values more close to the physiological basal conditions.

An average of many BP measurements several times daily for a couple of days will give a more correct picture of your blood pressure trends.

Measuring blood pressure when standing up, will produce relatively lower values, because of some kind of relative orthostatic hypotension.

Hope to have been helpful to you!

Feel free to ask me whenever you need! Greetings! Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9536 Questions

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What Is The Ideal Position To Measure Blood Pressure?

Brief Answer: Take BP measurement in sitting position. Detailed Answer: Hello! Welcome and thank you for asking no HCM! Regarding you concern, I would explain that the best position for blood pressure measurement is comfortable sitting for at least 5 - 10 minutes, with uncrossed legs and ankles with your back supported against a chair. You should avoid alcohol, caffeine, food and tobacco for 30 minutes before taking a measures. This with yield BP values more close to the physiological basal conditions. An average of many BP measurements several times daily for a couple of days will give a more correct picture of your blood pressure trends. Measuring blood pressure when standing up, will produce relatively lower values, because of some kind of relative orthostatic hypotension. Hope to have been helpful to you! Feel free to ask me whenever you need! Greetings! Dr. Iliri