Clinical Inquiry-In women who have undergone breast cancer surgery, including lymph node removal, do blood pressure measurements taken in the ipsilateral arm increase the risk of lymphedema?
Bryant, J.R.; Hajjar, R.T.; Lumley, C.; Chaiyasate, K.
Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association 109(11): 529-531
2017
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-1876 PMID: 28127103 Document Number: 694722
Throughout the healthcare industry fears of taking blood pressure in the arm of patients who have undergone breast cancer surgery have been propagated for decades and continue to be recommended by multiple medical societies and healthcare organizations. However, these precautions are not well based on evidence-based medicine and may have a more historical and traditional basis. The purpose of this study was to review current evidence-based research as well as current guidelines regarding ipsilateral arm blood pressure measurements in women who have undergone breast surgery for cancer including lymph node removal.