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Blood Pressure: Is There a Difference Between Each Arm?
Contributed by: Megan Wiggers, Pharm.D.
Community Pharmacy Resident
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Generally speaking, variations in blood pressure greater than 10mmHg between arms should be discussed with a physician.
If blood pressure varies between arms, the higher reading should always be used to determine blood pressure status.
A blood pressure reading in the second arm may be lower simply because the body has rested longer.
What if there is a blood pressure difference greater than 10mmHg between arms?
Large differences in blood pressure between the arms could suggest a number of underlying conditions. Generally speaking, a systolic blood pressure difference greater than 20mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure difference greater than 10mmHg is of concern. Certain birth defects such as narrowing (coarctation) of the aorta or thinning of the major arteries would lead to blood pressure differences between arms. Acquired conditions leading to blood pressure differences between arms include aortic tear (dissection), blood clots or fatty deposits within the artery walls, or chest tumor. Further evaluation by a physician is needed if any of the above health conditions is sus
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Measuring blood pressure is a fast, easy, and convenient way to monitor your cardiovascular health. There are many adverse consequences of uncontrolled high blood pressure including stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease. It is nearly impossible to visit a health care professional and not have your blood pressure taken. With many different ways to measure blood pressure, did you ever wonder if there were differences between your right and left arm?
Did you know?
Most health care professionals measure blood pressure in the right arm.
People using home monitors often measure blood pressure in the left arm.
Blood pressure should be roughly the same in both arms.
Blood pressure may be slightly higher in your dominant arm.
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pected.
How can blood pressure differences between the arms be determined?
Sit quietly for 5 minutes with both feet on the floor before beginning. Using an appropriate size blood pressure cuff, measure the blood pressure in one arm supported at heart level. Next, measure the blood pressure in the opposite arm supported at heart level with the same device. Determine the difference between the two blood pressure readings. Note that the second reading may be lower because the body has had more time to relax. To avoid the relaxation effect, two health care professional may take your blood pressure in both arms at the same time.
For more information, please contact a health care professional, or visit: www.mayoclinic.com, www.americanheart.org, www.medscape.com.
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