Why is blood pressure different in left and right arms?
Small differences in blood pressure readings between the right and left arm are normal. But large ones suggest the presence of artery-clogging plaque in the vessel that supplies blood to the arm with higher blood pressure.
Is it normal for blood pressure to be different in each arm?
Blood pressure can be different in each arm, and a small variation is normal. When the readings are more than 10 points different, there may be an underlying concern or a greater risk of disease.
Which arm should the blood pressure cuff be on?
The standard for blood pressure cuff placement is the upper arm using a cuff on bare skin with a stethoscope placed at the elbow fold over the brachial artery. The patient should be sitting, with the arm supported at mid heart level, legs uncrossed, and not talking.
Is blood pressure more accurate in left or right arm?
Higher pressures are more frequent in the right arm and range in most individuals from 10 to 20 mmHg or greater in systole, and to a similar extent but less often in diastole. A BP difference between the left and right arms—even when large—is statistically a normal variant and need not necessarily cause concern.
How tight should the cuff be when taking blood pressure?
Pull the end of the cuff so that it’s evenly tight around your arm. You should place it tight enough so that you can only slip two fingertips under the top edge of the cuff. Make sure your skin doesn’t pinch when the cuff inflates.
Can too small blood pressure cuff give high reading?
Studies have shown that using too small of a blood pressure cuff can cause a patient’s systolic blood pressure measurement to increase 10 to 40 mmHg.
Does the blood pressure change with different arm positions?
No significant correlation was found between blood pressure difference in the different arm positions (desk and heart level) and age, sex, weight or baseline blood pressure. Conclusions: Different arm positions below heart level have significant effects on blood pressure readings.
Which arm should be used for measuring blood pressure?
Roll up the sleeve on your left arm or remove any tight-sleeved clothing, if needed. (It’s best to take blood pressure from the left arm, if possible.) Rest in a chair next to a table for five to 10 minutes. (Your left arm should rest comfortably at heart level.)
What blood pressure higher in one arm can mean?
A large difference in systolic blood pressure between arms – defined as ≥ 10 mm Hg – may be a sign of increased cardiovascular disease – and even the threat of death. That is because when blood pressure is higher in one arm, it may be because of narrowing in a blood vessel, called “artery”, in that arm.
Why is your blood pressure different in each arm?
A less common cause of blood pressure that is different in each arm is an aortic dissection. This is a tear inside the wall of the aorta, the main pipeline of oxygenated blood from the heart to the body.
What causes different blood pressure readings in both arms?
Differences in blood pressure readings of greater than 20 mm Hg, systolic (top number) or greater than 10 mm Hg, diastolic (bottom number) between the two arms can be caused by either blockage in the arteries, kidney disease, diabetes, or heart defects.