Measure blood pressure in both arms
Posted on Sun, Feb 05, 2012
As published in The Lancet, the Royal College of General Practitioners has recommended measurement of blood pressure in both arms during routine physical examinations. The recommendation was based on a literature search involving studies conducted prior to July 2011 which reported differences in the systolic blood pressure (SBP) between both arms. Twenty-eight studies were identified, of which 20 were included for analysis. Based on invasive studies, a SBP difference > 10 mmHg was associated with subclavian stenosis. Based on non-invasive studies, a SBP difference > 15 mmHg was associated with peripheral vascular disease, pre-existing cerebrovascular disease, an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality, and an increased risk of all-cause mortality; a SBP difference > 10 mmHg was associated with peripheral vascular disease.