When is a wrist blood pressure measurement not suitable?

Wrist blood pressure monitors are not inferior in accuracy to upper arm devices when applied and used correctly. The possibility of making errors is greater with wrist devices than with upper arm devices, where the measurement point is almost always automatically captured correctly.

Additionally, wrist blood pressure measurement is not suitable for everyone. Certain groups of people should preferably choose an upper arm device from the outset.

Blood pressure measurement at the upper arm and wrist

To measure blood pressure, all oscillometric devices (and these are all automatic blood pressure monitors with few exceptions) capture the vibrations of the blood vessels under the cuff. From this, the blood pressure is calculated. At the upper arm, these vessels are still relatively large and strong. Towards the wrist, their diameter has already tapered - it has naturally decreased. This makes the vessels at the wrist more susceptible to narrowing or hardening of the vessel walls, which can lead to deviations in blood pressure measurement. The measurement is then less accurate than at the upper arm. Individuals with known arteriosclerosis, diabetics, and smokers should therefore prefer an upper arm monitor, as they are at increased risk of narrowing or stiffening of the more delicate vessels at the wrist. Older people should also opt for an upper arm monitor or consult their doctor before purchasing a monitor to determine which model is best suited for them.

Another group that is better advised to use an upper arm monitor are individuals suffering from arrhythmias. These are generally difficult to process for oscillometric measuring devices. In severe cases, devices that offer measurement according to Korotkow should be preferred. When measuring with wrist devices, there are more frequent measurement errors in cases of arrhythmias than with upper arm devices, which is why in this case the upper arm device is often the better choice.

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By Sabine Croci. This article is medically reviewed. Last updated (12/2023).
Information on the website and within the app cannot replace a consultation with a doctor, but can certainly complement it.

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When is a wrist blood pressure measurement not suitable?

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