Measuring BP in Legs? - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

donsabi · 02-08-2005, 01:07 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.

Palamedes · 02-08-2005, 02:15 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

Lenin · 02-08-2005, 03:20 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?

donsabi · 02-08-2005, 03:48 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.