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Usually we don’t think about which arm to measure on, but sometimes we notice that the right and left hand readings are different
A slight difference in blood pressure between the arms is not an uncommon phenomenon, but when should you be alert? What difference is considered normal, and what can be a warning signal of serious problems with the cardiovascular system, requiring immediate medical advice. About all the details, writes RBC-Ukraine.
Usually we do not think about which arm to measure on, but sometimes we notice that the indicators on the right and left hand are different. Is this a cause for concern? The answer is not so clear-cut, and in some cases such a difference can be a signal of serious health problems.
A small difference is normal
Medical experts note that a small difference in blood pressure between the right and left arms of up to 5-10 mmHg is considered quite acceptable and is often not a sign of pathology. This may be due to anatomical features of the blood vessels, differences in muscle mass of the hands, or even temporal factors such as body position at the time of measurement. Some studies show that physiologically the pressure in the right arm may be slightly higher in most people.
To obtain the most accurate data, it is recommended to take the first blood pressure measurement on both hands and subsequently use the hand where the reading was higher. If the difference is not significant, either arm can be used, but it is important to take the next measurement on the same arm to compare trends.
When does the difference become dangerous?
Nevertheless, a significant difference in blood pressure between the right and left arms can be an alarming symptom and indicate potential health problems. Particular attention should be paid to differences greater than 15-20 mmHg for both systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower) pressures.
Here are some conditions that may be responsible for a significant difference in blood pressure between arms:
Peripheral atherosclerosis
Blockage or narrowing of the arteries of one arm by atherosclerotic plaques can lead to low blood pressure in that arm. This is especially true in the elderly.
Subclavian steal syndrome
In this condition, the artery supplying blood to one arm becomes narrowed or blocked and blood from other arteries is “pumped” to provide blood flow to that arm, resulting in low blood pressure.
Aortic dissection
This is a serious condition in which the inner wall of the body’s main artery ruptures. A difference in pressure between the arms may be one of the symptoms.
Vasculitides
Inflammatory diseases of the blood vessels can affect the arteries unevenly, causing pressure differences.
Thromboembolism
Blockage of an artery by a blood clot can cause a sudden drop in pressure in the affected arm.
Congenital vascular anomalies
In rare cases, the difference in pressure may be related to the structure of blood vessels.
What should I pay attention to?
If you notice a significant and persistent difference in blood pressure between your right and left arms, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness in one arm, numbness or tingling, see your doctor immediately!
Measuring your blood pressure regularly, especially if you have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, can help detect the problem early. Your doctor will be able to perform the necessary tests, determine the cause of the difference in blood pressure and prescribe appropriate treatment if necessary.
Correct measurement – the key to accurate results
It is important to remember that various factors can influence the results of blood pressure measurement, such as incorrect body position, use of an inappropriate cuff, physical activity or caffeine consumption before the procedure. It is therefore important to follow the rules of measurement to obtain reliable data:
- Measure your blood pressure in a relaxed state, sitting or lying down.
- Your arm should be relaxed and at the level of your heart.
- Use an appropriately sized cuff.
- Take several measurements 1-2 minutes apart and take an average value.
- For the first measurement, measure the pressure in both hands.
