1581110699.png)
Last Updated on February 07, 2020
Accurate Blood Pressure Measurement
We know, it sounds so simple, but we hear over and over again how patients are not getting their blood pressure taken correctly. We understand that doctors aren't often the ones taking blood pressure measurements themselves, but what quality checks are in place to make sure all staff who are, are doing so properly?
For expectant mothers, every prenatal visit to a doctor, nurse, or midwife -- either in one-on-one or group prenatal care -- starts off pretty much the same way. Your vital signs are checked: body temperature, body weight (let's see how that baby is growing!), and blood pressure. This last measure is particularly important when you’re pregnant. And here’s why.
High blood pressure in pregnancy is an important diagnosis and indicator for preeclampsia, how the rest of your pregnancy is managed prior to delivery, the timing of delivery, risk of complications, and long-term maternal outcomes. However, according to the Council on Patient Safety in Women’s Health Care, “Blood pressure measurement is one of the most important basic clinical assessments that we do, yet it is often one of the most inaccurately performed assessments, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.”
High blood pressure is recorded as a ratio of two numbers: systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure, which is the higher (or first) of the two numbers, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. Diastolic blood pressure, which is the lower (or second) of the two numbers, measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats or when the heart is resting.
To get an accurate reading, you should be positioned as follows when having your blood pressure measured. Here's an entertaining video on how to measure blood pressure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za9RdBHpeAI
- Sitting or semi-reclining position with back supported and arm at heart level
- No talking for at least five minutes before measurement
- Bare upper arm without restrictive clothing
- Feet should be flat, not dangling or crossed
- NEVER lay a patient on their side for a lower reading
Other things that can affect the accuracy of your blood pressure reading include the presence of background noise, if the patient recently consumed any caffeine or nicotine, weight, and using the wrong cuff size (whether it’s too small or too big).
Improper positioning alone can cause quite a dramatic increase in blood pressure. For example, if the patient's back is unsupported, the diastolic blood pressure may be higher by 6 mmHg (Pickering TG et al; Circulation 2005). If your legs are crossed, systolic blood pressure may be higher by 2-8 mmHg (Pickering TG et al; Circulation 2005). If the arm is allowed to hang down unsupported, the blood pressure may be elevated by 10-12 mm Hg (O’Brien E; J Hypertension, 2003) and if the patient is talking, blood pressure may increase by 8-15 mm Hg.
We know medical staff are extremlely busy, but what is the point in taking a measurement if it isn't done properly. Follow these steps and help save the lives of moms and their babies! Thank you for all you do.
Image Credit OMRAN
Related Articles
Order our Ask About Aspirin Rack Card. Aspirin can prevent the formation of blood clots. This can make aspirin useful in treating or preventing some conditions like heart attacks and stroke...
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women and appears to be increasing in women aged 35 to 54 years. Women who have had preeclampsia have three to four times the risk of high...
CARE PROVIDERS There's an ongoing need to spread awareness and improve understanding of preeclampsia, even within the medical community. Our goal is to provide resources for patients and their...
There's an ongoing need to spread awareness and improve understanding of preeclampsia, even within the medical community. Our goal is to provide resources for patients and their caregivers to ensu...
Rethinking Postpartum Care for Patients at-risk for Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
1590071425.png)
May 19, 2020 - Melbourne, FL - The Preeclampsia Foundation is responding to the needs of pregnant and postpartum women, during COVID-19, with the introduction of The Cuff Kit™. With w...
Foundation joins Brigham and Women’s investigators on important research study Preeclampsia puts women at increased risk for heart disease as well as stroke and high blood pressure later in lif...
Melbourne, Florida – December 12, 2018 – The Preeclampsia Foundation is pleased to announce MoMMA’s Voices, a national coalition of patient organizations and individuals with lived e...
This is a great day for preeclampsia and the beginning of the end of needless deaths. Late last night, President Trump signed into law the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act. We are very proud and incredi...
1583930815thumb.png)
What’s a “bundle” and what should I expect from healthcare providers who are following these guidelines? Patient safety “bundles” – including Severe Hypertension D...