BP Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

BP - Essay Example Among the various factors that affect blood pressure measurement is the lying or seated position. Clinicians suggest that the seated position is best for the measurement. While in the seated position another factor that also has an influence is the leg position. A flat feet position is generally recommended during blood pressure measurement. However, the present study aims to evaluate the effect of two leg positions on blood pressure in stage 1 or 2 hypertensive patients of Turkish origin and between 18 and 65 years of age. The measurement of the changes in blood pressure taken within a 3 minute interval between the two positions viz., feet flat and cross legged position is the major procedure of the study. The changes in both the systolic and diastolic pressures are to be considered. A comparison of the mean values of the two measurements calculated by a t-test is proposed to determine the effect of both the positions on the blood pressure of the patients. Previous studies carried out by other researchers have shown that crossed legged position had a prominent effect on blood pressure in hypertensive patients as it increased both the systolic and diastolic pressures. The physiological reason for the increase can be attributed to â€Å"a translocation of blood volume from the dependent vascular beds to the thoracic compartment†. While some other studies have not found any significant changes in blood pressure due to cross legged position and though the clinical guidelines do not emphasize the patients to keep a flat feet during measurement, the majority of studies that have recorded significant changes in blood pressure when the leg is cross legged cannot be ignored. Hence it is wise to follow the flat feet position during blood pressure measurement to avoid any errors or unwarranted changes in the measurement. The