Blood pressure 'should be measured in both arms'

Wednesday, 01 February 2012 08:57

Difference in blood pressure between arms could indicate a higher risk of vascular disease and cardiovascular mortality according to new research.

A difference of 10mmHg between arms could identify patients at high risk of asymptomatic peripheral vascular disease whereas a difference of 15mmHg could highlight a 70% increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and 60% increased risk of death from all causes.

Prof Bryan Williams, from the Blood Pressure Association and the University of Leicester, said the study reinforced the message already in the guidelines from health watchdog NICE.

These routine tests become even more important when you consider that cardiovascular and vascular diseases are often asymptomatic and have to be caught as soon as possible for the greatest chance of survival. Early diagnosis would increase the benefits from giving up smoking, lowering blood pressure through lifestyle or statin therapy.

Writing in The Lancet, Prof Richard J McManus said that the review supports existing guidelines.

"Further research is needed to clarify whether substantial differences between arms should prompt aggressive management of cardiovascular risk factors. Ascertainment of differences should become part of routine care, as opposed to a guideline recommendation that is mostly ignored."

To read the BBC article on taking blood pressure.

Read the Lancet study on taking blood pressure.