What is cuff size?
Select a Cuff Size Based on Arm Circumference
| Arm Circumference | Recommended Cuff Size (width x length in cm) | |
|---|---|---|
| 22 – 26 | 8.7 – 10.2 | 12 x 22 (small adult)* |
| 27 – 34 | 10.6 – 13.4 | 16 x 30 (adult)* |
| 35 – 44 | 13.8 – 17.3 | 16 x 36 (large adult)* |
| 45 – 52 | 17.7 – 20.5 | 16 x 42 (extra-large adult) |
What is the unit of measurement for the blood pressure cuff?
If using a digital or automatic blood pressure cuff, the health care professional will not need to use a stethoscope. The gauge uses a unit of measurement called millimeters of mercury (mmHg) to measure the pressure in your blood vessels.
Where is cuff placed?
The artery mark indicates proper cuff positioning. Place the cuff over the bare upper arm with the artery mark positioned directly over the brachial artery. The bottom edge of the cuff should be positioned approximately one inch (2-3 cm) above the antecubital fold.
How does cuff size affect blood pressure?
Studies have shown that using too small of a blood pressure cuff can cause a patient’s systolic blood pressure measurement to increase 10 to 40 mmHg. Blood Pressure Cuff Used Over Clothing1,3,4 – When having your blood pressure measured, the cuff should always be placed directly on your arm.
Can tight cuff cause a high reading?
Improper placement of the cuff over clothing can cause your blood pressure measurement to increase 10 to 50 points. If the cuff is too small, it can add 2 to 10 points your reading. Be sure to roll up your sleeve for a blood pressure test and also let your doctor know if the cuff feels too tight around your arm.
Why is BP cuff painful?
If cuff fit isn’t the issue Keep in mind, too, that your cuff needs to inflate to a higher pressure than your systolic blood pressure in order to take a measurement; so if your blood pressure is especially high, the cuff may inflate to a higher level than usual and cause some pain.
What is the normal BP at the age of 50?
Normal Blood Pressure By Age
| Age | SBP | DBP |
|---|---|---|
| 46-50 | 119.5 | 80.5 |
| 51-55 | 125.5 | 80.5 |
| 56-60 | 129.5 | 79.5 |
| 61-65 | 143.5 | 76.5 |
Does the size of a blood pressure cuff make a difference?
Using a blood pressure cuff that’s too large or too small can give you inaccurate blood pressure readings. Your doctor’s office should have several sizes of cuffs to ensure an accurate blood pressure reading. When you measure your blood pressure at home, it’s important to use the proper size cuff.
What is the proper size of a blood pressure cuff?
Also, when you measure your blood pressure at home, it’s important to use the proper size cuff. The inflatable part of the blood pressure cuff should cover about 80 percent of the circumference of your upper arm.
Why does cuff size matters?
Correct cuff size is a critical factor in measuring blood pressure. Using a too-small cuff will result in an artificially high blood pressure reading; a too-large cuff may not work at all or result in an inaccurately low blood pressure reading.
What are the different blood pressure cuff sizes?
There are three basic sizes for blood pressure cuff bladders. The child/small adult cuff fits arms 7 to 9 inches in circumference. The standard adult cuff fits arms with a circumference of 9 to 13 inches. The large adult cuff bladder fits arms between 13 and 17 inches around.
What size blood pressure cuff to use?
A circumference of 7 to 9 inches requires a small adult sized cuff. A regular, or standard sized cuff, is needed if the arm circumference measures 9 to 13 inches. A large adult cuff should be used if the measurement is 13 to 17 inches.
