Is Calf Blood Pressure Inaccurate?

Taking your blood pressure is important for those with histories of high blood pressure. Taking a blood pressure reading in the calf is easily done.

Blood Supply

• A healthy body maintains the blood supply at an adequate level in order to promote the vitality of key tissues and organs.

Normal Blood Pressure

• Although it changes based on age, health and medical conditions, the average blood pressure for a healthy young adult is 120/80 mmHg.

Inflatable Cuff Measurement

• Using an inflatable cuff with a pressure gauge strapped to the arm at the level of the heart, individuals can monitor their own blood pressure.

Cuff Size

• The size of the cuff can affect the accuracy of the readings. A cuff too small for a large arm will cause a high reading. In some patients, the upper arm is excessively large and it can be difficult to get a good reading. For these patients, Dr. Peter Hambly, a consultant anesthetist, suggests that the cuff be applied to a different area where the circumference is smaller, preferably somewhere on the calf.

Calf Measurement

• Measure blood pressure on the calf only when arm readings are inaccurate. When the cuff is applied to the calf and the pressure is placed on the posterior tibial pulse, the results can be very accurate.