When is measuring blood pressure at the wrist not suitable?

Wrist blood pressure monitors are just as accurate as upper-arm monitors when they are put on and used correctly. However, there's a higher chance of user error with wrist devices than with upper-arm devices, where the measurement site is almost always positioned correctly automatically.

Measuring blood pressure with a wrist monitor isn't suitable for everyone. Some people should opt for an upper-arm monitor from the outset.

To record blood pressure, all devices that work oscillometrically (and thats, with few exceptions, all automatic blood pressure monitors) pick up the vibrations of the blood vessels under the cuff. The blood pressure is then calculated from those signals. On the upper arm these vessels are still relatively large and strong. Toward the wrist their diameter has already narrowed they have naturally become smaller. That makes the vessels at the wrist more prone to narrowing or to stiffening of the vessel walls, which can lead to differences in the blood pressure reading. The measurement can then be less accurate than on the upper arm. People with known arteriosclerosis, people with diabetes, and smokers should therefore prefer an upper-arm monitor, because they have a higher risk of narrowing or stiffening of the more delicate vessels at the wrist. Older people should also choose an upper-arm monitor or consult their doctor before buying a device to find out which model is best for them.

Another group who are better off with an upper-arm device are people with heart rhythm problems. These are generally hard for oscillometric devices to process. In severe cases, it's therefore better to choose devices that offer measurement according to the Korotkoff method. With wrist devices, arrhythmias more often lead to incorrect readings than with upper-arm devices, so in this case the upper-arm monitor is often the better choice.

• https://www.beurer.com/gesundheitsratgeber/de/blutdruck/oberarm-handgelenk.php
• https://www.pharmazeutische-zeitung.de/ausgabe-152007/blutdruckmessgeraete-im-vergleich/
• https://www.hochdruckliga.de/blutdruckmessgeraete.html
• https://www.arznei-telegramm.de/html/2001_08/0108080_02.html

We hope you found the article helpful. Accurate measurements are essential for good blood pressure control. Our app BloodPressureDB can help with that. Clear instructions walk you through taking measurements according to current guidelines. The app can also remind you if you wish. These features are fully available in the free version as well. Get the free app now.

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