| Abstract: | Objective to identify, in 2011, rates of hypertension, cardiovascular and gestational
problems in subjects presenting high blood pressure in 1982, when correct
cuff size was used, according to the American Heart Association Arm
Circumference/Cuff Width ratio of 0.40. Methods high blood pressure was defined in 2011 as systolic = 115 mmHg and diastolic
= 80mmHg, resulting in 20 subjects between 39 and 43 years old. (Risk
Group). They were compared to 20 subjects from the original sample with
lower blood pressure values (Control group). Results the rates of hypertension, cardiovascular and gestational problems were
significantly higher (Fisher: p=0.02) in the Risk Group, with one case of
cardiovascular death. Our findings arouse speculations about whether, if a
proper cuff had been used in clinical practice, the complications and death
could have been avoided. Conclusions data suggest compliance with the use of cuff width corresponding to 40% of
arm circumference, despite polemics concerning cuff availability and
difficulties of using many sizes. |
