Health care professionals measure blood pressure with a device called a sphygmomanometer. The portion that wraps around the upper arm is called the cuff. Cuffs are available in different sizes to properly fit patients of all ages and sizes. Properly fitting a blood pressure cuff is vital to ensue an accurate blood pressure reading. According to Dr. Sheldon Sheps at the Mayo Clinic, a cuff that is too small produces a higher reading, and a cuff that is too large will produce low readings, both of which can lead to misdiagnosis.
Step 1
Measure the circumference of the patient's upper arm. Blood pressure cuffs are placed above the elbow and must be able to be secured snugly on the upper arm.
Step 2
Select the appropriate cuff size based on patient measurements. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued the following guidelines in regard to selecting cuff sizes:
Adult Small: for arms measuring 22 to 26 cm in circumference.
Adult Size: for arms measuring 27 to 34 cm in circumference.
Adult Large: for arms measuring 35 to 44 cm in circumference.
Adult Thigh: for arms measuring 45 to 52 cm in circumference.
Step 3
Re-check for appropriate fit when placing the cuff on the upper arm. Cuffs should be labeled with easy to read lines to indicate the proper fitting range. If the fit is correct, blood pressure readings may be taken.
Tips and Warnings
- Knowing your arm circumference prior to visiting your health care provider helps to ensure proper cuff fitting.
Things You'll Need
- Sphygnomanometer cuffs
- Tape measure
