The effect of crossing legs on blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

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.