Influence of head and/or back of bed elevation to blood pressure fluctuation

Abstract

To clarify how an elevation of the head and/or back of the bed affects blood pressure fluctuation, we measured the change in blood pressure at different degrees of headrest and backrest elevation. Randomized crossover trial was conducted with 9 healthy volunteers. Blood pressure (BP) was continuously monitored via a cuff attached to the middle finger of the right hand. BP was measured in the following 3 positions: ①headrest elevation of 0°and backrest elevation of 30°, ②headrest elevation of 20°and backrest elevation of 30°,and③headrest elevation of 0°and backrest elevation of 50°.Atany position, temporary blood pressure reduction was observed. Furthermore, the change in BP was much greater during backrest elevation of 50°than during backrest elevation of 30°. On the other hand, headrest elevation of 20°did not affect blood pressure fluctuation. These results suggested that the degree of backrest elevation affects blood pressure fluctuation.