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Why is there a difference between left and right arm blood pressure?

Why is there a difference between left and right arm blood pressure?

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 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.

When should I be worried about my diastolic blood pressure?

A diastolic blood pressure of somewhere between 90 and 60 is good in older folks. Once you start getting below 60, that makes people feel uncomfortable. A lot of older folks with low diastolic pressures get tired or dizzy and have frequent falls.

Should BP be the same in both arms?

Generally, a small difference in blood pressure readings between arms isn’t a health concern. However, a difference of more than 10 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) for either your top number (systolic pressure) or bottom number (diastolic) may be a sign of blocked arteries in the arms, diabetes or other health problem.

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.

Does blood pressure differ between arms?

Which is better wrist or arm BP monitor?

To get an accurate reading when taking your blood pressure with a wrist monitor, your arm and wrist must be at heart level. Even then, blood pressure measurements taken at the wrist are usually higher and less accurate than those taken at your upper arm.

What arm should you take blood pressure?

Secure the blood pressure cuff around your upper arm if you are using a conventional monitor. For finger and wrist monitors, place the cuff around the appropriate body part. In terms of which arm to check blood pressure from, it is best to use your left arm if you are right handed and vice versa.

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 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 blood pressure different in the right and left arm?

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.