Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
4-14-2021
Abstract
Purpose
- Physical therapists regularly use blood pressure (BP) readings when making clinical decisions.
- Inaccuracies in BP readings may occur when not following standard procedure.
- False or missed diagnoses of hypertension (HTN) may lead to improper medical management.
Objective
To determine the effects of cuff over inflation on BP readings compared to the standardized 20 mmHg above the loss of Korotkoff sounds when taking manual BP in adults.
Participants
109 adult participants recruited at the MN State Fair on August 28, 2019.
Methods
Data Collection
- Utilized American Heart Association (AHA) standardized positioning and procedures
- Baseline BP measurement taken using standard cuff inflation of 20 mmHg above loss of systolic Korotkoff sounds
- BP measured three subsequent times inflating the cuff to 40, 60, 80 mmHg above the lost of Korotkoff sounds in randomized order
Data Analysis
- Friedman's ANOVA performed to analyze differences in BP measurements
- Point biserial correlation performed to determine effects of demographics on change in BP measurements
Results
- Significant difference found in systolic readings between standardized measurement and cuff inflation level of greater than or equal to 60 mmHg above loss of Korotkoff sounds
- Significant correlation found between body mass index (BMI) and BP change
Conclusion
- Over inflating the blood pressure cuff created statistically significant differences in BP readings as compared to standard procedures
- Higher cuff inflation levels impact accuracy of clinical decisions
- Participants with higher BMI have a greater incidence of inaccurate readings with increasing cuff inflation level
Clinical Relevance
- Over inflating the blood pressure cuff when manually taking an adult's blood pressure may lead to significantly elevated systolic readings.
- Cuff inflation level for manual blood pressure assessment needs to be standardized.
- The determination of care being delivered can be significantly affected when standard procedures are not followed.
Recommended Citation
Toonstra, Amy PT, DPT; Lafebvre, Kristin PT, PhD; Denn, Jessica; Goecke, Matthew; Grossoehme, Lucas; and Jarocki, Emma, "Impact of Cuff Over Inflation on Blood Pressure Readings in Adults" (2021). DPT Capstone Posters. 12.
https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/dpt-posters/12