What It Means If You Have a Different Blood Pressure Reading in Each Arm

What does it mean if you have different blood pressures in each arm?

While a minor difference of fewer than 10 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) is typically considered within the normal range, readings that are greater than10 mm Hgdifferent in each arm may be a sign of cardiovascular or circulatory concerns.

根据一 2019 study ，甚至10mm Hg或更大的血压差可能意味着您具有中风或致命心血管疾病的风险更大。

A 2020年研究评论 of 24 studies that included 53, 827 participants, found that an inter-arm difference of greater than or equal to 5 mm Hg may indicate a cardiovascular risk. These researchers recommended that doctors should begin to routinely measure blood pressure in both arms.

A 2016 study found that a difference in arm-measured blood pressure was associated with more deaths among people with cardiovascular disease.

是什么导致每个手臂的血压？

Another 2019 study showed that a significant difference in the blood pressures between arms might signal a narrowing or stiffening of the arteries. This can affect blood flow and is a risk factor for heart attack, stroke, or death. Various conditions can also contribute to different inter-arm blood pressure readings.

你可能有不同的bloo的其他可能的原因d pressure readings in each arm include:

Hypertension

Hypertensionis a primary cause of different blood pressure readings in each arm. A 2020 study showed that up to 39 percent of people with hypertension have inter-arm blood pressure differences. And, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that with nearly half of American adults living with hypertension, it’s important to manage the condition to minimize complications or adverse effects on health. Treatment typically includes medication and lifestyle changes such as, eating a balanced diet and engaging in physical activity as best you can.

Monitoring blood pressure with hypertension is important to prevent extreme highs and make sure treatment is working.

Chronic kidney disease

Different inter-arm blood pressures have been reported in some people withchronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is a progressive and irreversible condition in which the kidneys start to fail.

Common causes of this include high blood pressure and diabetes. Managing high blood pressure can slow the progression of kidney damage, so it’s important to get accurate blood pressure readings.

Diabetes

Some individuals withdiabeteshave different blood pressures in each arm. Without proper insulin levels, high blood sugar occurs, potentially damaging organs and nerves. Over a period of time, diabetes can cause stiffening of the blood vessels, leading to elevated blood pressure.

Peripheral vascular disease

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)is a circulation disorder. In PVD, the blood vessels leading to and from organs like the heart and brain may become narrow or even become blocked, decreasing blood flow. Blood vessels may also spasm, leading to intermittent narrowing. Individuals with PVD can have different blood pressure measures in each arm.

PVD causes pain and fatigue, particularly with exercise. This can also cause high blood pressure. High blood pressure can also cause PVD, so monitoring blood pressure and getting accurate readings is important.

Obesity

Obesity（也称为肥胖）已经 strongly associated with inter-arm blood pressure differences. Checking both arms regularly for blood pressure readings may help clinicians determine risk for various conditions like hypertension or diabetes that may affect people with obesity.

在双臂上都有优势吗？

There are many advantages to taking blood pressure in both arms. In fact, taking the blood pressure of both arms is recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA) and other professional organizations.

Measuring both arms can help clinicians better determine risk for conditions and hypertension-related organ damage, and give them a better overall picture of health.

The bottom line

Blood pressure can be different in each arm, and a small variation is normal. When the readings are more than 10 points different, there may be an underlying concern or a greater risk of disease.

Taking blood pressure in both arms, especially for people with certain conditions, can be helpful to monitor treatment effectiveness, assess the risk of disease, and get a better clinical picture of overall health.

If you have concerns about your health and blood pressure-related conditions, talk with your doctor about taking blood pressure readings in both arms as part of your regular care.