March 21, 2012
Possible significance of difference in blood pressure between
arms
Patients suffering from high blood pressure
who have different readings in each arm have a reduced chance of
survival over ten years, a study has claimed.
Results showed a nine per cent
increase in risk of death for every one mmHg difference in
blood pressure between arms.
Maureen Talbot, our Senior Cardiac
Nurse, said: “This study supports national
guidelines, which recommend that blood pressure readings
are taken in both arms. It is normal to have a small difference in
your blood pressure readings between arms.
“However, a big difference between your
readings may carry risks, so more tests could be needed to
check your heart health. If you want to find out
your blood pressure, visit your GP or practice nurse to have it
measured.”
This study was published in the
British Medical Journal.