donsabi
02-08-2005, 04:07 PM
In a discussion about circulation and methods for testing a friend told me that home blood pressure monitors will not measure the BP in the legs. I have a new Omron 711 and I tried measuring my calf just above the ankle. Here were the readings; Left Arm = 137/76, Left Leg = 128/76, Right Leg = 126/81, heart rate was the same at all locations. I am not sure what this means but I think if the monitor failed to get a reading it would have displayed an “E”. If these readings are valid I assume I have normal circulation in my legs.
Comments appreciated, thanks.
Comments appreciated, thanks.
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Palamedes
02-08-2005, 05:15 PM
If those measurements were taken sitting, I would expect the leg to have a MUCH greater reading than the arm. Gravity makes a HUGE difference. Even with just your arm, if you raise it above your head and take a reading, it will be much lower. On the other hand, if you lie in bed and hang your arm over, it will read much higher.
So, I assume you were lying down?
Pal
So, I assume you were lying down?
Pal
Lenin
02-08-2005, 06:20 PM
donsabi,
I think the thing to look for if worried about any claudication in the leg arteries is to find the two legs about equal...you are fine in that regard.
I also assume you were supine and the slightly lower leg than arm pressure indicates a longer distance from the heart and thus more resistance.
Aren't you supposed to take leg measurements in the thigh with a big galumphing thigh bladder?
I think the thing to look for if worried about any claudication in the leg arteries is to find the two legs about equal...you are fine in that regard.
I also assume you were supine and the slightly lower leg than arm pressure indicates a longer distance from the heart and thus more resistance.
Aren't you supposed to take leg measurements in the thigh with a big galumphing thigh bladder?
donsabi
02-08-2005, 06:48 PM
A few years ago I had a test were they did measure my leg BP. As I remember it, I was laying down and my legs were at heart level with supports that prevented the cuff from touching anything. They placed the cuffs on my thighs and the ankles. I took these readings while laying down. I also tried it sitting up with my foot on the floor. The BP monitor went into error and would not read.