HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Do These Blood Pressure Readings Indicate?

Hi! I have a question about blood pressure. I have heard that it is quite normal to have different readings on left and right arm. How different can the readings be to be normal? I measured my blood pressure yesterday evening and the result was: Left arm 124/77 (64 beats per minute) Right arm 137/78 (60) & 139/78 (65) I think the difference between systolic blood pressure is ... well...noticeable. Is it normal? Thank you! Liina (29)
Mon, 1 Apr 2019
Report Abuse
Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

The pressure difference between RT and LT arm

Normal variation: RT arm pressure is usually higher by ≤ 10 mm Hg. The systolic blood pressure may normally vary between the arms up to 10 mm Hg. Difference > 10 mm Hg in SBP between arms when measured simultaneously or in rapid sequence suggests arterial occlusion.

If the blood pressure is taken separately, 25 % of patients will have a difference in systolic blood pressure of at least 10 mm Hg (and a difference in diastolic blood pressure of 5 mm Hg). If it is taken simultaneously, only 5% will have such a difference. The greatest differences are in hypertensive patients.

If the pressures are unequal, the arm with the lower pressure is the abnormal one, most often because of obstruction due to atherosclerosis.

Go for Doppler study arterial system both upper limbs.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas, Internal Medicine Specialist
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Do These Blood Pressure Readings Indicate?

Hi, The pressure difference between RT and LT arm Normal variation: RT arm pressure is usually higher by ≤ 10 mm Hg. The systolic blood pressure may normally vary between the arms up to 10 mm Hg. Difference 10 mm Hg in SBP between arms when measured simultaneously or in rapid sequence suggests arterial occlusion. If the blood pressure is taken separately, 25 % of patients will have a difference in systolic blood pressure of at least 10 mm Hg (and a difference in diastolic blood pressure of 5 mm Hg). If it is taken simultaneously, only 5% will have such a difference. The greatest differences are in hypertensive patients. If the pressures are unequal, the arm with the lower pressure is the abnormal one, most often because of obstruction due to atherosclerosis. Go for Doppler study arterial system both upper limbs. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas, Internal Medicine Specialist