Learn why blood pressure readings differ between arms. Discover causes, heart risks, and when to see a doctor for uneven BP readings.
Experts advise caution when checking blood pressure (BP).
Find out why your blood pressure readings are different between your arms. Learn the common causes, the risks of a large difference, and when to seek medical advice.
They recommend measuring BP in both arms and seeking medical advice immediately if there is a significant difference between the two readings.
Changes in BP can signal various health issues.
Therefore, it's crucial to be vigilant when checking your BP, as a small mistake can lead to inaccurate readings. Have you ever wondered what to do if there's a difference in BP readings between your right and left arms? Doctors provide a detailed answer to this question.
In recent times, doctors have been recommending checking BP in both arms.
Some studies suggest that discrepancies between these two readings can indicate health problems.
A recent study revealed that checking BP in only one arm can lead to errors in up to 12% of cases.
Studies indicate that a difference of up to 5 mmHg between the BP readings of the two arms is considered normal.
A difference of 5 to 10 mmHg suggests a slight risk of health issues, while a difference of 10 to 15 mmHg indicates a moderate risk.
If the difference is greater than 15 mmHg, it's considered a high-risk situation, and you should consult a doctor immediately.
Some studies have found that in patients with Type-2 diabetes, the difference in BP readings between the two arms was around 10 mmHg.
Researchers also noted that in individuals with heart disease, this difference was greater than 15 mmHg.
Experts also note that small errors in the BP checking procedure can lead to significant reading errors.
For example, your arm should be placed on a table while checking BP. If your arm is dangling, the systolic BP can increase by an average of 6.5 mmHg, and the diastolic BP by an average of 4.4 mmHg.
Therefore, when checking a patient's BP, have them sit in a chair and place their arm on a table. It's best to check both arms. If the difference in readings is more than 10 mmHg, it is advisable to seek immediate medical consultation.
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1. Why is my BP reading different in both arms?
Small BP differences (under 10 mmHg) are normal, but larger gaps may indicate heart disease, artery blockage, or other vascular issues.
2. What is a normal BP difference between arms?
A difference of up to 5 mmHg is normal. A gap over 10–15 mmHg can signal cardiovascular risk and requires medical attention.
3. Should I check blood pressure in both arms?
Yes. Doctors recommend measuring BP in both arms to detect hidden heart or circulation problems early.
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