Crossing the leg at the knee level during measurement significantly increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure by approximately 10 and 8 mmHg, respectively.
Observational (n=283)
Does crossing legs at the knee level increase blood pressure readings in hypertensive patients?
Crossing legs at the knee during blood pressure measurement significantly increases systolic and diastolic readings, highlighting the need for standardized patient positioning.
Effect estimate: Increase of ~10 mmHg systolic and ~8 mmHg diastolic
AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine whether there is any difference between BP readings with patients crossing a leg at the knee level and uncrossing during BP measurement. BACKGROUND: It is clear that numerous factors influence an individual's blood pressure (BP) measurement. However, guidelines for accurately measuring BP inconsistently specify that the patient should keep feet flat on the floor. DESIGN: Repeated measures. METHOD: Using a mercury-filled column sphygmomanometer, BP was measured at uncrossed leg position, crossed leg position and again at uncrossed leg position in 283 unmedicated or medicated patients. Three experienced nurses specially trained for the study performed BP measurements. RESULTS: The results indicated that BP increased significantly with the crossed leg position. Systolic and diastolic BP significantly increased approximately 10 and 8 mmHg, respectively. CONCLUSION: Crossing the leg at knee results in a significant increase in BP. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Leg position during measurement of BP should be standardised and mentioned in publications.
Pınar et al. (Thu,) conducted a observational in Hypertension (n=283). Crossed leg position vs. Uncrossed leg position was evaluated on Blood pressure (Increase of ~10 mmHg systolic and ~8 mmHg diastolic). Crossing the leg at the knee level during measurement significantly increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure by approximately 10 and 8 mmHg, respectively.