Why is it important to use the right size cuff for a blood pressure test?

An appropriate-sized cuff -- the part of the monitor that wraps around your arm -- is essential for an accurate blood pressure reading. Using a cuff that is too small for your arm will overestimate your blood pressure, and one that is too big will underestimate it. Still, many clinicians use one standard-sized cuff for all patients.

If you're monitoring your numbers with a home device, make sure the cuff you have is the right size for your arm.

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