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Blood pressure readings from both arms may be best
January 31, 2012
A study has found blood pressure measurements from both arms to be particularly useful for diagnosing vascular disease.
Research suggests that taking blood pressure readings from both arms may be beneficial for diagnosing vascular disease.
People who visit their doctor or nurse for a blood pressure reading may soon have measurements taken from both arms, if the findings of a new study are taken into account.
Scientists at the University of Exeter discovered that differences in systolic blood pressure between the two arms could provide an accurate indication of whether or not a person has vascular disease.
Their review of 28 papers revealed that people with a difference of 10mmHg or more between the two arms had an increased risk of peripheral vascular disease - a condition where the arteries supplying the legs and feet narrow and harden.
Meanwhile, a difference of 15mmHg or more was also associated with existing cerebrovascular disease - affecting the blood supply to the brain - and an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
The findings are published in the Lancet medical journal and suggest that measurements of blood pressure in both arms should become part of routine care, the authors say.
Natasha Stewart, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said this would be quick and simple, but that it is too early to say whether it will become standard practice.
She added: "It's very important that other risk factors, apart from high blood pressure, are taken into account to establish whether doctors need to take a closer look at someone's heart disease risk."
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