Blood Pressure AccurAcy &
VAriABility Quick reference
Accurate Blood Pressure Tips
• Use the proper size cuff; if two cuff sizes fit, use the
larger one.
• Place the cuff on a bare arm.
• Place the artery marker over the brachial artery.
• Apply the cuff snugly, allowing room for no more than
two fingers underneath.
• Have the patient sit quietly for a few minutes.
• Do not talk to the patient while taking a blood
pressure.
• Support the patient’s back and feet; keep legs
uncrossed.
• Keep the upper arm at heart level with the lower arm
passively supported, i.e. resting on lap.
• Keep the arm still during the measurement cycle.
Blood Pressure Variability
The following activities affect a blood pressure reading.
Activity Systolic (mmHg)
Cuff too small
2,4,6,7,8,10,12,14,16,18,19
10 to 40 ⇑
Cuff over clothing
10,16,18
10 to 40 ⇑ or ⇓
Back/feet unsupported
3,18
5 to 15 ⇑
Legs crossed
1,5,9,16,17,18
5 to 8 ⇑
Not resting 3 to 5 minutes
2,10,16,18,19,20
10 to 20 ⇑
Patient talking
2,10,11,16,17,18
10 to 15 ⇑
Labored breathing
16,18
5 to 8 ⇑
Full bladder
13,16,18
10 to 15 ⇑
Pain
16
10 to 30 ⇑
Arm below heart level
2,10,13,16,17,18
1.8 /inch ⇑
4.6 /cm ⇑
Arm above heart level
10,13,16,17,18
1.8 /inch ⇓
4.6 /cm ⇓
For references, refer to the footnotes listed on this card.
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