Sizing a Blood Pressure Cuff

A sphygmomanometer is a medical instrument used for measuring the blood pressure. It is critical to use the correct blood pressure cuff size. because it can directly affect the result of the reading. For example, if the blood pressure cuff is too tight, the person can incorrectly be diagnosed with high blood pressure. And this wrongful diagnosis can seriously endanger the health of that individual, especially if she is pregnant, diabetic or suffering from a cardiovascular disease. The blood pressure cuff comes in four sizes--the child, adult (regular), large adult and adult thigh cuff. Apply the following steps to determine what size is right for you.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Inflated sphygmomanometer cuff

Instructions

1. Determine the size of your upper arm. The usual location where the blood pressure is taken is by the arm where the brachial artery is found. The cuff is positioned by wrapping it around the arm; so it is important to know its circumference to help determine your cuff size. Start your measurement by positioning the tape measure around the middle part of your upper arm. It would be much better, if you can ask someone to hold the tape measure for you, to ensure an accurate result. Measure the girth of your mid upper arm using both inches and centimeters. Centimeters is by far the most commonly used unit. But knowing your size in inches might help.

2. 

   Find out if the distended dimension of the cuff fits your mid upper arm. Many people believe that the cuff is of the right size when a person is able to close it around his arm. This idea is wrong. The only way to know the appropriate size is to determine if the length and width of an inflated cuff properly accommodates the size of your mid upper arm. If the circumference of your arm is greater than 33 cm (13 inches), you need a larger sized cuff instead of the regular sized one. By familiarizing yourself with this rule, you can somehow estimate the size of the cuff that's right for you.

3. Try to know which among the adult sized cuffs is appropriate for the circumference of your mid upper arm--the regular adult cuff, the large adult cuff or the adult thigh cuff. This is important especially if you are pregnant, overweight or equipped with enormous arm muscles. If you have an average arm circumference of 27 to 34 cm (up to 13.8 inches), the regular or standard sized cuff is the right one for you. If you belong to the plus-size category with an arm girth of 35 to 44 cm (13.7 to 17.3 inches), the large adult size cuff is suitable for you. And if you have a large arm circumference ranging from 45 to 52 cm (17.7 to 20.4 inches), you need to use the adult thigh size cuff.

Tips & Warnings

• It is advisable to inform the nurse or any healthcare provider about your cuff size, before allowing them to take your blood pressure. This way, they can provide you a sphygmomanometer with the correct cuff size, and an accurate blood pressure reading.

• It is convenient for you to provide your own blood pressure cuff if you have a very large arm girth. Some hospitals or clinics may not have the appropriate cuff size for you. And oftentimes, even if they do have it, the staff will be too busy to look for the cuff that fits you.