What Causes Blood Pressure Difference In Both Arms?

Posted on Thu, 26 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 26 Jun 2014 Answered on

Sat, 12 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I've just came back from an appointment with a Doctor of Chiropactory because of some sciatic nerve pain. I liked him very much. He took my blood pressure and it was 160/100 on my right side and 190/110 on my left side. He wants to check it again on Friday, but I was wondering if that would be related to my sciatic pain?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Refer to the following answer...

Detailed Answer:
Hi, XXXXXXX

I read your query very carefully and understood your concern.

I would like to say that a difference of 30 mmHg for systolic pressure (and 10 mmHg for diastolic pressure) between the right and the left side isn't related to your sciatic pain. This difference may be a sign for other health problem, such as:
- Blocked arteries in your arms (peripheral artery disease)
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Heart defects

So i suggest to run further examinations to rule out any other disease:
- Blood work
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Heart ECHO
- Chest x Ray
- Doppler ultrasound exam of the arms.

Hope this was of help!
Dr. Benard

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad