Objective The aim of this study was to assess the distribution histogram of arm circumference (AC) in adult hypertensives in Beijing area, and to establish which size of cuffs is most appropriate in clinical practice. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey in a cohort of 424 (male 61.6%) consecutive hypertensives patients. Arm circumference was measured at the mid-point of the right upper arm. Subjects were stratified in three groups: group 1 with AC between 22-26 cm (small size), group 2 AC between 27-34 cm(medium size), and group 3 AC great than 34 cm (large size). Using AC of 32 cm as cutoff point, patients were subdivided as group A (AC