Difference in Blood Pressure Between Arms Signal Danger

Measuring blood pressure in both arms may reveal unexpected cardiovascular risks. Usually, the cuff is put on just one arm or the other in the doctor’s office, and the result of that reading is used to determine if the patient should be treated for hypertension. Now, however, British researchers report that doctors or nurses should be measuring blood pressure in both arms.
Their meta-analysis included 20 studies with blood pressure data from both arms. They also assessed follow-up information on health outcomes. When the readings are at least 15 points different between arms, the scientists found that the risk of peripheral vascular disease was doubled. Such patients also had a significantly higher risk of dying prematurely. The investigators suggest that people who have at least 10 mm of difference between the two arms should be evaluated further for other risk factors that could be treated.

[The Lancet, online Jan. 29, 2012]