Abstract
Blood pressure in normal adults in the present study population
in Nepal is found to be less in comparison to that recorded in
Framingham study, USA. To find out the cause of variation of
blood pressure values, this study was designed. Blood pressures
of healthy young subjects were recorded by mercury
sphygmomanometer having standard Riva-Rocci cuff. The midarm-
circumference of the same subjects were measured by a
measuring tape. Blood pressure for male and female subjects
was found to be 115/77 mmHg and 107/73 mmHg respectively.
Mid-arm-circumferences of male and female volunteers were
recorded approximately 25 cm and 23 cm respectively. As
per rule, width of the cuff should be 40% of the mid-arm-circumference.
Nevertheless, the calculated value of 40% of the
mid-arm-circumference was found to be less than 12 cm. The
calculated value of 40% of mid-arm-circumference for male
and female volunteers was found to be approximately 10 cm
and 9 cm respectively in this study population. So, the width of
the cuff is relatively more than what it should be, for this study
population. This may be the cause of less value of blood pressure
in normotensive population in this study. Cuff size should
be considered carefully to avoid misinterpretation of borderline
hypertensives as normotensives.
