blood pressure cuff

Indications

• device to measure blood pressure
• device to implement Hess test to assess capillary fragility
  • platelet disorders, dengue fever

Clinical significance

• appropriate cuff size is determined by measuring arm circumference at the midpoint between the acromion & olecranon
  • small cuff: 20-25 cm
  • regular cuff: 25.1-32 cm (9-13 inches)
  • large cuff: 32.1-40 cm (13-17 inches)
  • extra-large cuff: 40.1-55 cm
• effects of inappropriate cuff size:
  • small cuff appropriate, regular cuff used: mean systolic BP 4 mm Hg too low
  • large cuff appropriate, regular cuff used: mean systolic BP 5 mm Hg too high
  • extra-large cuff appropriate, regular cuff used: mean systolic BP 20 mm Hg too hig
  • cuff 1 size too large: underestimates systolic BP by ~4 mm Hg
  • cuff 2 sizes too large: underestimates systolic BP ~9 mm Hg.
  • cuff 1size too small: overestimates systolic BP ~4 mm Hg.
  • cuff 2 sizes too small: overestimates systolic BP ~20 mm Hg

Notes

• automated inflating cuffs with digital monitor easier to use
• blood pressure measurement devices validated for clinical accuracy
  • many devices do not meet international standards

More general terms

• device (medical device)

Additional terms

• blood pressure (BP)
• Hess test; Rumpel-Leede test; tourniquet test