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Blood pressure may read falsely high if the arm isn’t positioned properly

Make sure the arm is supported and at heart height for an accurate blood pressure reading

A person has their blood pressure taken while seated with their arm supported on a table and at heart height

To help get the most accurate blood pressure reading, have the arm supported on a desk or table and level with the heart, medical guidelines recommend.

Halfpoint Images/Getty Images

By Aimee Cunningham

When the arm is on the lap or the side, a blood pressure reading can be erroneously high. But when the arm is supported and at heart height, a blood pressure reading is more likely to be right.