UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: Blood Pressure Measurements in the Critically Ill Obese Patient

Posted: 7/26/2011 by Mike Winters, MBA, MD
Click here to contact Mike Winters, MBA, MD

Blood Pressure in the Critically Ill Obese Patient

Recall that incorrectly sized cuffs can significantly overestimate blood pressure, especially in obese patients.
In fact, some studies show that false BP readings can occur in up to 75% of obese patients.
By relying solely on noninvasive BP measurements, many of your critically ill obese patients may actually be hypotensive and under perfused.
When you've got a sick obese patient, strongly consider early placement of an arterial line to assess and monitor blood pressure.

King DR, Velmahos GC. Difficulties in managing the surgical patient who is morbidly obese. Crit Care Med 2010; 38(S):S478-82.