Table of contents:
- The cause of the difference in blood pressure between the arms
- The relationship between differences in blood pressure in both arms and hypertension
- Diseases and disorders related to differences in blood pressure in the two arms
- Tips for improving cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of disease
- Have you checked your blood pressure on both hands?
Hospital blood pressure measurements are often only done on one arm, very rarely on both. In fact, many people still do not know that blood pressure measurements can and should be done in both arms. Checking blood pressure in both arms is generally only done in patients with hypertension or lung cases.
Dr. Chris Clark, a lecturer at Exeter University Medical School, said that blood pressure measurements should be taken on both arms, especially in patients with hypertension, to confirm any differences in blood pressure that could be related to the patient's future health. Some literature also emphasizes the importance of checking or measuring blood pressure in both arms, not only in cases of hypertension or the lungs. More specifically, measuring blood pressure in both arms of people with high blood pressure disease is important to diagnose and treat hypertension more quickly and accurately.
The cause of the difference in blood pressure between the arms
- In young people, the difference in blood pressure between the arms can be due to the pressure of the arteries in the hand by the muscles around them or a structural problem of the blood vessels preventing blood flow through the arteries.
- In elderly people, differences in blood pressure usually occur due to obstruction due to atherosclerosis (fat accumulation in the walls of arteries), blockage of blood vessels, stroke, peripheral artery disease (PAD), and other cardiovascular problems.
The relationship between differences in blood pressure in both arms and hypertension
At the time of the measurement, the blood pressure in the two arms may show different numbers, both in systole (top number) and diastole (bottom number). This is normal and not a cause for concern as long as the difference between the measured blood pressure in the right and left arms is not too large - no more than 20 mHg for systole and no more than 10 mmHg for diastole (difference of less than 20/10 mmHg). . However, a large and persistent difference in blood pressure in the two arms is often associated with the risk of heart and blood vessel diseases.
According to Professor Jeremy Pearson, differences in blood pressure in the two arms were not only associated with an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease in those who previously had high blood pressure, but also in those who were considered healthy and free of heart disease. A similar statement was also made by a cardiologist, Thembi Nkala, that a person with different high blood pressure in both arms, even though the person does not have the factors that cause heart disease risk, still has an increased risk of cardiovascular problems in the future.
Diseases and disorders related to differences in blood pressure in the two arms
The difference in blood pressure in the measurement can be caused by several abnormalities of the blood vessels in the arms of a person. The biggest possibility is blockage of the artery walls, either due to fat or other plaque, in the arm with higher blood pressure. The presence of this plaque also indicates the occurrence of PAD, which is blockage of arteries by cholesterol in blood vessels throughout the body. PAD is a dangerous disease because it can cause heart attacks and stroke when cholesterol builds up in the heart and brain, this has been reported by the American Journal of Medicine. Meanwhile, in the arms with lower blood pressure, it is also possible arterial stenosis or narrowing of the arteries so that blood flow becomes less smooth.
There are various diseases, whether related to the cardiovascular system or not, which are characterized by differences in blood pressure in the two arms. These include aortic coartation, aortic dissection, thoracic aortic aneurysm, and Takayasu's disease. Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) also has a 60% increased risk for individuals with a systolic difference of more than 15 points; which later can lead to dementia and stroke. Not only does it increase the risk of vascular disease, differences in blood pressure are also associated with several other diseases, including kidney disease and diabetes. The difference in blood pressure not only increases morbidity, it can also increase a person's mortality. In fact, the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease can increase by up to 70%.
Tips for improving cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of disease
- Reducing exposure to cigarette smoke, both directly and indirectly
- Get more exercise
- Maintain ideal body weight
- Maintain and balance diet
- Avoid stress
Have you checked your blood pressure on both hands?
Many people are still not aware of the importance of checking blood pressure in both arms. Are you one of them? If so, at the next examination to the doctor, you should ask for blood pressure measurements in both your arms, especially if you have hypertension. If there is a significant difference, immediately consult the doctor concerned so that treatment is immediately carried out in order to reduce and even avoid the risk of further disease.
