Measure Blood Pressure In Both Arms.

Existing guidelines recommend that your blood pressure is measured in both arms but this is not always done. If the readings are different this could indicate that there is an underlying problem with your blood vessels and circulation. A 10mm difference may indicate hardening of the arteries and a 15mm difference a higher risk of heart attack or stroke. If you are measuring your own blood pressure then measuring the difference between both arms should be done occasionally.

See Also

Blood Pressure Index
Related Products : Blood Pressure Monitor Accessories ::

Measuring Blood Pressure In One Arm

Blood pressure is often measured in only one arm, and this is fine for tracking blood pressure changes over time, when the same arm should be used for all readings. This is how you should use a home blood pressure monitor for checking if your blood pressure is increasing over time or to check how well your lifestyle changes or blood pressure medicines are working to control your blood pressure.

Blood pressure measurements should be the same in both arms, with only small differences. This is the case in most people. However, checking that this is the case for you is worthwhile doing on an occasional basis.

Measuring Blood Pressure In Both Arms

Current guidelines for doctors recommend measuring blood pressure both arms. The reason for this is to check for significant difference in readings between the arms. If the full pressure of the blood from the heart is not reaching each arm equally, then this would indicate that there is some restriction or blockage in one of the blood vessels from the heart to the arm. This has been found to be an indicator that there are restriction and blockage problems in other blood vessels in the body, which has been demonstrated to be a risk factor in itself, quite independent of the underlying blood pressure reading itself.

A difference of 10mm between arms indicated that circulation problems are beginning and need further investigation.

A difference of 15mm between arms indicated that circulation problems are well established, and at this level there is a typically increased risk of 70% for suffering a heart attack or stroke, and a 60% increase of death from all causes.

Measuring blood pressure in both arms is particularly useful where there are already known risk factors for heart disease and circulation problems, such as high blood pressure, smoking, metabolic syndrome or diabetes, as it can indicate the development of circulation problems.