BP Cuff size

[Magali]

It has recently been revealed to me by MDC mama's that there are different cuff sizes for different arm sizes. I was talking to my sis about it today and she told me that at the dental clinic she worked at, they only had one cuff and it would get bigger for bigger arms, and smaller for smaller arms. To me, that just sounds like a standard cuff. Are there such things as one size fits all cuffs?

[quantumleap]

There's a standard cuff that fits most "average" sized people, which is the most common size. There are a few different peds sized ones (infant on up), and then there are "large" cuffs for larger adults (I believe there are two larger sizes, in most cases). It's an issue in terms of size-friendly care - not all care providers have larger cuffs, which are required to get accurate readings on larger people.
So, not uncommon for places to only have a single size (or two, one pediatric and one adult), but unfortunate because some people *need* the larger cuffs. Sort of like bigger drapes for pelvic exams, or wider exam tables, or bigger gowns, or, or, or...

[Magali]

That is what I thought. It is important for me because I measured my arm and I do require a larger cuff.

[loudmama]

Having the right size cuff is important for accurate BP results. If you feel you need a larger cuff, ask for it, especially if you are pregnant. Care providers get more concerned with BP results in larger pregnant mamas. Having the right size cuff makes all the difference!

L