What width of the blood pressure cuff is recommended for accurate measurement?

The accurate measurement of blood pressure is critically dependent on the proper size of the blood pressure cuff. A cuff that is too narrow can give falsely high readings, while one that is too wide may result in falsely low readings. For optimal accuracy, the recommended width of the cuff is typically two-thirds the width of the arm. This size ensures that the cuff can fully compress the underlying tissue over the brachial artery, which is essential for obtaining a precise blood pressure reading. This proportion allows for effective occlusion of the artery when the cuff is inflated, providing consistent and reliable measurements across different patients and arm sizes. Proper fitting is crucial for correct assessment, particularly in clinical settings.