Blood pressure variation in response to changing arm cuff height cannot be explained solely by the hydrostatic effect

Abstract

This study assesses for the first time the inappropriateness of the hydrostatic theory as the sole explanation for the effect of gravity on BP. The phenomenon may be associated with mechanical properties of arteries in individuals known to have prognostic significance. The potential of the change in systolic and diastolic pressure with cuff height to be used as a novel type of clinical variable and vascular marker that can be determined by a simple test remains to be explored.