Blood pressure monitor for the wrist or upper arm?

Blood pressure measurement at the wrist or upper arm?

Digital blood pressure monitors automatically measure arterial pressure. They inflate automatically at the push of a button and also deflate on their own. They determine the two blood pressure values and the pulse rate. These devices are now available at very low prices. There is a distinction between devices for measuring at the upper arm and devices for measuring at the wrist. Both methods are considered equivalent. However, there are design-related peculiarities that make the devices less suitable for some users than for others.

Wrist devices are easier to use - however, great attention must be paid to the correct hand position with the measurement point at heart level. This is almost automatically given with upper arm devices. However, it may be necessary to remove clothing for measurement.

Blood pressure monitors for the wrist

The biggest advantage of wrist monitors is certainly the easy execution of the measurement, where no clothing needs to be removed. However, it is crucial to ensure that the measurement point - that is, the device - is placed at heart level. Since, in advanced age, there may be age-related narrowing in the relatively delicate vessels at the wrist, upper arm devices are better suited for older users. For significantly overweight users or those with very large upper arms, wrist devices are often the better choice, as it may be difficult to find a suitable upper arm cuff.

Peculiarity

The arm position must be strictly maintained
Easy measurement, as no undressing is necessary

particularly suitable

for people with particularly large upper arm circumference

less suitable

for older users (detailed: When is blood pressure measurement at the wrist not suitable?)

Blood pressure monitors for the upper arm

Upper arm devices excel in that there are hardly any errors regarding the measurement point. This is almost automatically at heart level. The measuring arm should be placed on a table or appropriately supported for measurement, as an American study showed in 2024. However, thick or particularly wide, bulky outer clothing must be removed for measurement. A thin blouse / thin shirt or a thin long-sleeve shirt or similar usually does not interfere with the measurement. Please refer to the user manual of your device for this. Problems occasionally arise for individuals with large upper arm circumference in finding a suitable upper arm cuff. Therefore, an upper arm device may be less suitable in these cases than a wrist device. For older users, upper arm devices are usually the better choice, as deposits in the relatively large vessels in the upper arm do not have a disturbing effect.

Peculiarity

- The measurement point is almost always correct
- Outer clothing may need to be removed

particularly suitable

for older users

less suitable

for people with large upper arm circumference (detailed: When is blood pressure measurement at the upper arm not suitable?)

Sources:

By Sabine Croci. This article is medically reviewed. Last updated (10/2024).
Information on the website and within the app cannot replace a consultation with a doctor, but can certainly complement it.

We hope you found the article on the topic helpful. Correct measurement is very important for good blood pressure management. Our app BloodPressureDB helps with that. Concrete explanations guide you through a guideline-compliant measurement. The app also reminds you if you wish. These features are also fully available in the free version. Get the free app now.

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Blood pressure monitor for the wrist or upper arm?

Blood pressure monitors for the wrist

Blood pressure monitors for the upper arm

Sources:

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