A significant difference in systolic reading, or high blood pressure between the two arms, could be a warning sign of a future heart attack or stroke, according to a new meta-analysis of 24 global studies published Monday in the journal Hypertension.
“Patients who now need a blood pressure test should expect to have it checked in both arms, at least once,” said lead author Dr. Chris Clark, senior clinical lecturer at the University of Exeter School of Medicine in the United Kingdom, in a statement.
Blood pressure is measured in units of millimeters of silver (abbreviated as mmHg), which consists of two numbers – high or systolic readings that represent the maximum weight in your articles, and the lowest or diastolic reading that shows the pressure entering your artery when your heart muscle is at rest between beats.
The new study found that for every degree of difference between the two arms over 10 millimeters of mercury, the risk of new angina (chest pain), heart attack or stroke increased by 1% over the next ten years.
The findings of the study show that differences over 5 millimeters of mercury between two arms “predict all-cause mortality, cardio-vascular mortality and cardiovascular events.”
“We’ve known for a long time that a difference in blood pressure between the two arms is associated with worse health outcomes,” Clark said.
This study “tells us that the higher the difference in blood pressure between arms, the greater the cardiovascular risk, so it is essential to measure both arms to determine the -patients who may be at much greater risk, “Clark said.
Systolic differences are the key
The AHA sees a difference of 10 millimeters of mercury or less between arms and is not a cause for concern. However, higher readings between the two arms may indicate that the articles are narrowing or becoming stiffer, which may affect blood flow.
Unlike instructions in the USA, the insiders both the UK and the EU recognize “a systolic difference of 15 mmHg or more between the two arms as the threshold indicative of increased cardiovascular risk,” the study said.
Research coauthor Victor Aboyans, professor and head of the cardiology department at Dupuytren University Hospital in Limoges, France, said the study shows that international guidelines should be re-evaluated.
“We believe that a difference of 10 mmHg can now be considered the maximum normal for systolic intraocular blood pressure, when both arms are measured in sequence during routine clinical meetings,” he said. Aboyans in a statement.
“This information should be incorporated into future guidelines and clinical practice in assessing cardiovascular risk. It would mean that many more people would be considered for treatment that may increase their risk. from heart attack, stroke and death, “Aboyans said.
In addition, health practitioners should measure blood pressure in each arm at checkups, the report said. While international guidelines currently recommend such a practice, it is “widely neglected.”
“While international guidelines currently recommend that this be done, it will only take place at around half the time at best, usually due to lack of time,” he said. Clark.
“Examining one arm then the other with a routine blood pressure monitor is inexpensive and can be done in any health care setting, without the need for additional or expensive equipment,” Clark said. shows that the little extra time it takes to measure both arms could ultimately save lives. “
Taking your own blood pressure
Anyone with concerns about their blood pressure should keep an eye on it at home and keep a diary of the readings, the AHA recommends.
The AHA says they read blood pressure at the same time every day, such as morning or evening. Follow these steps to make sure you get the right reading:
Do not smoke, drink caffeinated beverages or exercise for at least 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure. Go to the bathroom and empty your womb.
Sit with your back straight and supported, which means sitting on a chair with a hard back at a desk or table, not a sofa.
“Your feet should be flat on the floor and your feet should not cross. Your arm should be supported on a flat surface (such as a table) with the upper arm at heart level,” the AHA said. ‘praise.
Roll up your back – don’t take the measure over clothes. Sit there for at least five minutes of quiet rest before starting any measurement.
Follow the pictures on your blood pressure monitor – one key step is to make sure the bottom of the bucket is placed just above the elbow joint.
Take multiple readings and record the results. “Each time you measure, take two or three readings one minute apart, and record the results with a printable controller. If your monitor has a fixed memory for storing your readings, take it to the Some reviewers may allow you to upload your readings to a secure website after you register your profile, “the AHA recommends.