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What Causes Different BP Readings In Both Arms?

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Posted on Wed, 7 Oct 2015
Question: I notice that when I take my blood pressure, the left is usually always higher than the right. For example will get 120/80 on left then 107/71 on right, etc etc. some times they are almost the same but for the most part it's like the systolic on the left is 8-15 higher, diastolic 5-10 higher.

I am male, only 31. I can run 3 miles with ease. I had a recent echo for a unrelated issues.

Is it a concern these numbers are diffrent arm to arm or nothing to worry about? echo report attached.
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Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You shouldn't worry for the observed change in BP...

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

You shouldn't worry for the observed change in BP between the two arms. There's always a small difference in BP measures between the arms (usually it should be less than 20 mmHg).

Only if the difference in measures exceed 20 mmHGg you should be concerned because this findings is associated with atherosclerosis and other disease.

My advice is to continue with healthy lifestyle and cardiac follow up (cardiac echo, BP 24h monitoring) once a year.

Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Benard Shehu

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2257 Questions

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What Causes Different BP Readings In Both Arms?

Brief Answer: You shouldn't worry for the observed change in BP... Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you for asking! I read your query and understood your concerns. You shouldn't worry for the observed change in BP between the two arms. There's always a small difference in BP measures between the arms (usually it should be less than 20 mmHg). Only if the difference in measures exceed 20 mmHGg you should be concerned because this findings is associated with atherosclerosis and other disease. My advice is to continue with healthy lifestyle and cardiac follow up (cardiac echo, BP 24h monitoring) once a year. Hope this was of help! Wish you health! Dr. Shehu