Blood Pressure Measurement: When to Avoid the Right Arm

There are no absolute contraindications to taking blood pressure in the right arm. If the patient has the following, it is recommended that the other arm be used if possible:

- Blood pressure cuff too tight

- History of radical mastectomy, axillary dissection, or lymphedema in the right arm

- Brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula

- Acute injury or burns to the right arm