Key result
Calf BP measures ~4 mmHg higher than the arm but causes more discomfort than the ankle.
Why the study?
The suitability of alternative sites for non-invasive blood pressure measurement compared to the arm was investigated due to the need for alternatives when arm measurement is undesirable or impossible.
Do non-invasive blood pressure measurements at the calf and ankle agree with arm measurements and differ in discomfort in healthy volunteers?
Cross-Sectional (n=100)
Do non-invasive blood pressure measurements at the calf and ankle agree with arm measurements and differ in discomfort in healthy volunteers?
Mean Difference: 4 (95% CI -12–20)
The ankle is a preferable alternative site to the calf for non-invasive blood pressure measurement when the arm cannot be used, as it causes less discomfort despite some differences in readings.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
May support ankle over calf for NIBP when arm unavailable due to lower discomfort; leaves open prospective validation in patients.
Moore et al. (2008) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy (n=100). Non-invasive blood pressure measurement at the calf and ankle vs. Non-invasive blood pressure measurement at the arm was evaluated on Mean blood pressure difference (calf vs arm) (MD 4 mmHg, 95% CI -12 to 20). Non-invasive blood pressure measured at the calf and ankle was 4 mmHg and 8 mmHg higher than the arm, respectively, with the ankle causing significantly less discomfort than the calf (p<0.001).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: