Why is blood pressure measured in the upper arm?
In adults, blood pressure is considered to be normal under a systolic value of 140 mmHg and under a diastolic value of 90 mmHg. When taking your blood pressure for the first time, it makes sense to measure the blood pressure in both arms, because it’s sometimes high on only one side.
Why is blood pressure higher in legs than arms?
It has been recognized for some time that systolic pressures at the level of the ankles can also be elevated in comparison to pressures measured in the arm. This is usually attributed to calcification of the arteries, which prevents arterial compression and results in a falsely elevated pressure measurement.
Which arm gives the most accurate reading for blood pressure?
(It’s best to take your blood pressure from your left arm if you are right-handed. However, you can use the other arm if you have been told to do so by your healthcare provider.) Rest in a chair next to a table for 5 to 10 minutes. (Your left arm should rest comfortably at heart level.)
Is blood pressure different in each arm?
Blood pressure can be different in each arm, and a small variation is normal. When the readings are more than 10 points different, there may be an underlying concern or a greater risk of disease.
What is blood pressure measured in?
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is given as 2 figures: systolic pressure – the pressure when your heart pushes blood out. diastolic pressure – the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
What is being measured when taking a person’s blood pressure?
A blood pressure measurement is a test that measures the force (pressure) in your arteries as your heart pumps. Blood pressure is measured as two numbers: Systolic blood pressure (the first and higher number) measures pressure inside your arteries when the heart beats.
Is blood pressure the same in arms and legs?
Leg blood pressure should be about the same as arm blood pressure. Comparing the two systolic pressures is called the ankle-brachial index. (“Brachial” is the Latin word for “arm.”) The normal index is 0.9 to 1.3.
Why is the left arm blood pressure lower?
Generally, a small difference in blood pressure readings between arms isn’t a health concern. However, a difference of more than 10 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) for either your top number (systolic pressure) or bottom number (diastolic) may be a sign of blocked arteries in the arms, diabetes or other health problem.
Why is the second blood pressure reading lower?
Diastolic pressure (the second, lower number) reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. Over eight years, more than 44,000 people in the study had a heart attack or stroke.