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What Causes Differences In The BP Between The Two Arms?

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Posted on Mon, 10 Feb 2014
Question: My friend in sick in the hospital for 5 days with a bacterial infection after a trip to Mexico. HIs blood pressure has been extremely low (60/50) at times and today he complained about the cuff being uncomfortable so they changed arms. HIs blood pressure in the other arm is high/normal. They are now saying he has either a blockage or blood clot. What type of questions should my friend being asking the doctors to make sure they don't miss anything?
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Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: Causes to difference in BP of the 2 arms... Detailed Answer: Hi, I have read the medical history of your friend and feel sorry for the situation he is in. The differences in the BP between the 2 arms is normal; but, such huge difference might be related to: - infective endocarditis (as he is curing for bacterial infection) - atherosclerosis of the arm blood vessels - possible thrombosis of the arm veins I'd suggest he should ask the doctors to do: - cardiac echo to exclude endocarditis - doppler ultrasound of the arm to exclude atherosclerosis of the arm blood vessels - and angio Ct of the arm to exclude coarctation of the aorta Hope it answered to your query! Feel free to ask me other questions you might have! Dr.Benard
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Dr. Benard Shehu

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Practicing since :2004

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What Causes Differences In The BP Between The Two Arms?

Brief Answer: Causes to difference in BP of the 2 arms... Detailed Answer: Hi, I have read the medical history of your friend and feel sorry for the situation he is in. The differences in the BP between the 2 arms is normal; but, such huge difference might be related to: - infective endocarditis (as he is curing for bacterial infection) - atherosclerosis of the arm blood vessels - possible thrombosis of the arm veins I'd suggest he should ask the doctors to do: - cardiac echo to exclude endocarditis - doppler ultrasound of the arm to exclude atherosclerosis of the arm blood vessels - and angio Ct of the arm to exclude coarctation of the aorta Hope it answered to your query! Feel free to ask me other questions you might have! Dr.Benard