What happens to blood pressure when a narrow cuff is used for measurement?

Using a narrow cuff for blood pressure measurement yields a falsely elevated reading. This phenomenon occurs because a narrow cuff does not wrap around the arm adequately, which results in a smaller area being compressed against the artery. This compression can induce a higher pressure reading due to the increased resistance and the altered dynamics of blood flow through the narrower circumference of the cuff. As a result, the blood pressure measured is misleadingly high compared to what it would be with a correctly sized cuff.

In clinical practice, it’s essential to select the appropriate cuff size, as cuff width and length greatly influence blood pressure readings. A cuff that is too narrow will not capture the true pressure accurately, leading to potential misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment decisions based on those inflated readings. Therefore, understanding the relationship between cuff size and blood pressure measurement is crucial for effective patient assessment and management.