Why BP is different from one arm to the other

[njean]

I just checked my BP & I used my left arm first & it read 118/63. Then I checked it on my right arm & it read 121/65. Does anyone else out there have differing BP readings from one arm to the other? I notice that the BP on my right arm is always a bit higher than my left arm everytime I check. Just puzzled....

 

[Wise]

I don't think that amount of difference is abnormal. If there is consistently a 15 to 20 point difference, then you may have a blockage to one of the arms or some other issue. I had 15 point difference over a period of two weeks a few months back. My cardiologist did a test (what test I can't tell you, I think it was a cat scan?) and I was fine.

I really interested in the other responses to your question. I sometimes still will show a 10 point or more difference in my left and right readings.

Wise

 

[Christina L]

Norma -

Norma -

That difference is not very great and I think nothing to worry about, but interestingly, I said something to my cardio (I have started to have problems with mildly elevated BP) about my left arm BP being higher than my right arm - really by a LOT sometimes and he perked up and said, "Really, you might want to keep track of that, it could mean you have coronary artery disease or blockage." Scared me! However, I have not been taking my BP like I should be. Your BP is perfect! Nothing to worry about.

I had a stress treadmill (no cath) before my surgery 4 years ago and supposedly that showed no blockages, but a lot can happen in 4 years, I guess.

It's funny, but a person gets so focused on their valve problems, that they don't think of high BP or coronary artery disease and we are not immune from those things.

Christina L

 

[MikeHeim]

Check the stated error on your monitor. It's possible that there isn't any statistical difference between the two readings. Testing your same arm several times in a row will also give you an idea of the testing error.

 

[Bina]

Norma, your BP is perfect. I would not consider 3 points to be any kind of abnormal difference.

 

[Ross]

It means your about to turn into a Bat.

 

[Harmony]

I was told by a well known Cardiologist that your BP is always higher on your right arm. If you would wait 5 minutes and take it again on your left arm it would not be the same as it was the first time. Your difference was only 3 pts and maybe if you had 2 BP mchines and took it at the same time on both arms it possibly would be the same.

 

[njean]

It means your about to turn into a Bat.

Okay, pardon my ignorance, "why" a bat??:confused:

 

[barbwil]

From the American Heart Assoc..........

From the American Heart Assoc..........

Your High Blood Pressure Questions Answered ? Right Arm or Left Arm?

Question



Why are my left and right arm systolic blood pressure readings often different?

Answer

Left-arm and right-arm (interarm) blood pressure differences are common. Blood pressure may be slightly higher in your dominant arm. For example, if you're left-handed, your left arm may have a slightly higher reading than your right arm. Several studies have been done to determine what is a ?normal? variation between right and left arm. In general, any difference of 10 mm Hg or less is considered normal and not a cause for concern.

Since some studies showed that the average interarm systolic blood pressure difference was significantly greater in patients with known coronary artery disease, it?s a good idea to discuss differences higher than 10 mm Hg with your doctor.

When you have your blood pressure taken at the doctor?s office, it?s typically taken in the right arm. But if you?re measuring your blood pressure at home, readings are often taken in the left arm. This may cause different readings at home and in the doctor?s office. If your home blood pressure readings are different from those taken in the doctor?s office, be sure to discuss this with your healthcare professional.

Many factors affect blood pressure. To detect a difference in blood pressure between your arms, your doctor may take alternate-arm blood pressure readings or even measure your blood pressure in both arms at the same time with two blood pressure gauges and two observers. The fact that there are differences in right and left arm readings emphasizes the importance of measuring blood pressure in both arms initially to prevent the misdiagnosis of high blood pressure. If one arm has higher blood pressure than the other, that arm should be used to determine if you have hypertension.

__________________________________

I remember a doctor telling me that the one arm was closer to the aorta, hence the higher pressure but I wouldn't take that as gospel.