$Unique_ID{BRK01485}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What is Meant by "Small Cuff Syndrome"?}
$Subject{blood pressure pressures small cuff syndrome procedures laboratory
tests weight loss special procedure lab test cuffs hypertension hypotension
diastolic systolic}
$Volume{P-4}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is Meant by "Small Cuff Syndrome"?


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QUESTION:  After years of worrying about my high blood pressure, I finally
visited a new doctor in town, hoping he would have a magic diet to help get
rid of my excess pounds.  After his examination, he told me I had nothing to
worry about, that my problem was a "small cuff syndrome".  The diet he has me
on is working great, but I am still curious about the blood pressure and his
diagnosis.  Do you know what he meant?

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ANSWER:  Yes, I do, although the answer comes from the pediatric literature,
rather than adult medicine.  When taking a blood pressure, the inflatable cuff
that is placed around your arm must be correctly fitted to obtain results that
are true.  When a cuff is too small, errors occur that may be misleading and
anxiety provoking.  In order to obtain the correct reading in children,
various sized cuffs must be used.  However in large, or obese adults, the
ordinary adult cuff is too small, and a larger than normal sized cuff should
be used to prevent error.  Not every physician's office is so equipped
(although they should be), and so your readings may well have been off in the
past.  Incidentally, weight loss is a wonderful way to reduce high blood
pressure if it was the case, so keep up your good work.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.