This study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, examines the effect of different arm positions on blood pressure readings. The study, which involved 133 participants, found that common arm positions such as resting the arm on the lap or leaving it unsupported at the side resulted in significantly higher blood pressure readings compared to the recommended arm position – supported on a desk with the cuff at heart level. The authors suggest that these non-standard positions may lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment of hypertension, highlighting the importance of adhering to proper arm positioning during blood pressure measurement.

Research paper:
Liu H, Zhao D, Sabit A, Pathiravasan CH, Ishigami J, Charleston J, Miller ER 3rd, Matsushita K, Appel LJ, Brady TM. Arm Position and Blood Pressure Readings: The ARMS Crossover Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2024 Oct 7:e245213.

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