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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Quantitative Autonomic Testing
Published on: July 19, 2011
Differences in blood pressure readings between supine and sitting positions in hypertensive patients
Ling-Chun Lu1, Tie-Min Wei, Shan Li
1Department of Cardiology, Lishui Central Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang Province, China.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of postures on blood pressure (BP) readings in patients with hypertension.
Methods And Results:
BP was measured in 1,487 hypertensive patients in sitting and supine positions. The systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP in supine position was 2.9 +/- 7.8mmHg and 0.9 +/- 5.4 mmHg higher, respectively, than in the sitting position (P <0.001). The greatest difference between supine and sitting SBP was found in those aged between 30 and 39 years (3.6 +/- 6.8 mmHg), and in those who were older than 80 years (5.3 +/- 7.9 mmHg).A greater difference between the supine and sitting DBP was identified in the groups > 60-years of age. Multivariate regression analysis showed that age and sex were independent predictors for the increment of BP in the supine position.
Conclusion:
There is a significant difference between supine and sitting SBP and DBP, with age and sex being the most important predicting factors.
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