Do wrist blood pressure monitors read higher?

To get an accurate reading when taking your blood pressure with a wrist monitor, your arm and wrist must be at heart level. Even then, blood pressure measurements taken at the wrist are usually higher and less accurate than those taken at your upper arm.

How does a wrist blood pressure machine work?

Wrist blood pressure monitors work by measuring the vibration of blood flowing through the arteries in the wrist, then converting that to a number that indicates blood pressure. They might also show your heart rate.

How much higher are wrist blood pressure cuffs?

On average, wrist systolic blood pressure was 12.9 mmHg higher than systolic pressure measured in the aorta, the main artery delivering blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Which is better wrist or upper arm blood pressure?

Blood pressure readings tend to skew higher when measured with wrist monitors. In fact, the American Heart Association (AHA) advises against wrist blood measures for home monitoring. According to the AHA, home monitors that are used on the upper arm are generally more accurate.

How do you check your blood pressure on your wrist?

Wrap the wrist cuff securely around your wrist. Do not apply the cuff over clothing. The cuff may be wrapped around either the right or left wrist. However, because measurement values vary between the right and left wrists, make sure to always measure on the same side.

How do you accurately measure blood pressure with a wrist cuff?

In order to get an accurate reading with a wrist blood pressure monitor, you need to:

1. Take the reading with your arm and wrist at heart level.
2. Place the blood pressure monitor at the exact right spot on your wrist. Look at the instruction manual for your specific wrist monitor to determine the correct placement.

What is the correct way to take your blood pressure with a wrist cuff?

How tight should wrist blood pressure cuff be?

Wrap the cuff around your arm so it’s snug but not too tight. As a rule of thumb, you should be able to slip one finger under the cuff.

Should your arm be straight when taking blood pressure?

(It’s best to take your blood pressure from your left arm if you are right-handed. However, you can use the other arm if you have been told to do so by your healthcare provider.) Rest in a chair next to a table for 5 to 10 minutes. (Your left arm should rest comfortably at heart level.)