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?

Abstract

For many years, the healthcare industry has spread concerns about measuring blood pressure in the arm of patients who have had breast cancer surgery. These concerns are still endorsed by various medical societies and healthcare organizations. Nevertheless, these measures lack a solid foundation in evidence-based medicine and may be rooted more in historical and traditional practices. The objective of this study was to examine the existing evidence-based research and guidelines pertaining to ipsilateral arm blood pressure measures in women who have undergone breast surgery for cancer, which may involve lymph node resection.