Gatormom
02-03-2004, 02:25 PM
OK, for at least 3 years my BP has measured higher in my right arm, lower in my left. Today there was such a difference (taken at a medical office) that I had to ask... what is the norm, and what causes this?? My right arm was 154/84, and my left 113/70. (I like the left a lot better!) Quite a difference and I'm curious. Thanks for any thoughts on the subject.
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zuzu8
02-03-2004, 05:36 PM
Gatormom-
People are sometimes puzzled because when they measure their blood pressure in both arms, they get different readings. In almost all cases, these differences are more apparent than real.
There are several explanations for why it may appear that the pressure is higher in one arm. First, there is a tendency for the first blood pressure reading to be higher than the second or third, so that if the first reading is taken in one arm and the second in the other, it may be thought that there is difference between the two arms.
Two other explanations may apply to people who are making the measurements on themselves. Tensing any muscle, however small, raises the blood pressure, and it may be physically more awkward to take the pressure in one arm than in the other, which may result in more muscle tension, and hence a higher reading. Another possibility is that the two arms are not held at the same height when the readings are taken; raising the arm will result in a lower reading.
So if you're getting a difference between your two arms, it’s a good idea to have someone who is skilled in measuring blood pressure take a SERIES of readings alternating between the two arms while you sit in a relaxed position, and then calculate the average of all the readings for each arm. Did the nurse or doctor at the medical office do this???
Usually there will no longer be any substantial difference. If there is, you should discuss it further with your doctor.
zuzu xxx
People are sometimes puzzled because when they measure their blood pressure in both arms, they get different readings. In almost all cases, these differences are more apparent than real.
There are several explanations for why it may appear that the pressure is higher in one arm. First, there is a tendency for the first blood pressure reading to be higher than the second or third, so that if the first reading is taken in one arm and the second in the other, it may be thought that there is difference between the two arms.
Two other explanations may apply to people who are making the measurements on themselves. Tensing any muscle, however small, raises the blood pressure, and it may be physically more awkward to take the pressure in one arm than in the other, which may result in more muscle tension, and hence a higher reading. Another possibility is that the two arms are not held at the same height when the readings are taken; raising the arm will result in a lower reading.
So if you're getting a difference between your two arms, it’s a good idea to have someone who is skilled in measuring blood pressure take a SERIES of readings alternating between the two arms while you sit in a relaxed position, and then calculate the average of all the readings for each arm. Did the nurse or doctor at the medical office do this???
Usually there will no longer be any substantial difference. If there is, you should discuss it further with your doctor.
zuzu xxx
Gatormom
02-04-2004, 03:12 AM
zuzu xxx[/QUOTE]
Hello zuzu, Thanks for your reply; I've read a lot of what you've posted and appreciate having your take on this.
The readings yesterday were in a dental chair taken with an automatic machine, and the cuff was over a thin sweater. I suppose some of those factors "factor in" my results. (The dental appt. was not anxiety-producing, just seeing about bleaching trays....) She just read it once on each arm.
I guess what prompted my question was that this has been the trend for at least the 3 yrs. I've been on Lisinopril and HCTZ. Normally I have my BP checked only in the left arm, taking an ostrich in the sand approach of looking only for the lowest number.
One bit of good news, I've managed to peel off 20 pounds in the past year, and feel that this is keeping my pressure under better control. Walking a lot, too.
Thank you again for taking the time to post a reply; I've learned a lot from reading the board the last year or two.
Hello zuzu, Thanks for your reply; I've read a lot of what you've posted and appreciate having your take on this.
The readings yesterday were in a dental chair taken with an automatic machine, and the cuff was over a thin sweater. I suppose some of those factors "factor in" my results. (The dental appt. was not anxiety-producing, just seeing about bleaching trays....) She just read it once on each arm.
I guess what prompted my question was that this has been the trend for at least the 3 yrs. I've been on Lisinopril and HCTZ. Normally I have my BP checked only in the left arm, taking an ostrich in the sand approach of looking only for the lowest number.
One bit of good news, I've managed to peel off 20 pounds in the past year, and feel that this is keeping my pressure under better control. Walking a lot, too.
Thank you again for taking the time to post a reply; I've learned a lot from reading the board the last year or two.