In: Nursing
Can blood pressure change between different body positions?
Yes blood pressure in an individual will varry depending upon the position they are in
Specific effect of body position on the blood pressure
Blood pressure of an individual is commonly measured in the seated
or in a supine position; however, the two positions that is supine
and seated position give different measurement values when measured
. So a nurse in a hospital should have that in mind, any time a
value of an individual is recorded, body position should also be
recorded along with it . It is widely accepted that the diastolic
pressures while sitting are high when compared to a patient is
supine by almost 5 mmHg. When the arm of an individual is at the
level of the heart the , systolic pressure can be specifically 8
mmHg higher, such as when a person is in a supine position rather
than in a sitting position. A patient who is supporting his own arm
may also increase the blood pressure readings. If the persons back
is not supported then the diastolic pressure may specifically
increase by 6 mmHg. Crossing the legs in an individual will also
raise systolic blood pressure by 2-8 mmHg. If the arm of the
individual is below the level of the heart of the person then the ,
values will be too high;
So it is evident that from different positions the blod pressure varies
For example when a person gets up from a lying position quickly he might experience dizziness as a result of orthostatic hypotension which occurs as a result of sudeen change in position