What is the ideal size for a blood pressure cuff to ensure an accurate reading?

The ideal blood pressure cuff size for an accurate reading should ideally cover about 40% of the arm's circumference for proper calibration of the pressure measurement. Therefore, when selecting a blood pressure cuff, the guideline generally suggests that it should be greater than one-third of the arm's circumference. This size ensures that the cuff adequately compresses the underlying artery, allowing for reliable readings.

Using a cuff that is too small can lead to falsely elevated readings, while a cuff that is too large can result in falsely low readings. Thus, a cuff greater than one-third of the arm's circumference strikes a balance that helps achieve accuracy in blood pressure assessment.