What is the correct procedure for measuring blood pressure for the first time?

Measuring blood pressure for the first time ideally involves assessing both arms to establish a baseline. This is important because variations in blood pressure readings between arms can indicate underlying cardiovascular issues. The arm with the higher reading will usually be used in subsequent measurements, as it is considered more representative of the patient's true blood pressure.

Measuring only one arm may overlook important differences that could affect diagnosis or treatment. Using averages from previous readings is not applicable for first-time measurements, as there are no prior readings to average. While a resting state is ideal for accurate measurements, the process itself for the first measurement should prioritize obtaining readings from both arms to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the patient's blood pressure.