Measuring blood pressure in both arms
should be routine because
the difference between left and right arm could indicate underlying health
problems, says a study review. The Lancet research found that a large
difference could mean an increased risk of vascular disease and death. But a heart charity said it was
too early to judge the findings.
Although existing guidelines state
that blood pressure should be measured in both arms, it is not often done. The
arm with the higher pressure can vary between individuals, but it is the
difference between arms that counts, the study suggests.
Dr Christopher Clark and colleagues,
from the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of
Exeter, reviewed 28 previous study papers looking at this area. Most people
in the study had an elevated
blood pressure risk and about one-third had a normal level of risk. The study
concluded that a difference in systolic
blood pressure of 10 millimetres of
mercury (mm Hg) between arms could identify patients at high risk of asymptomatic peripheral vascular
disease. A difference of 15mg Hg would also indicate an increased risk of cerebra-vascular
disease, a 70% increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and 60% increased risk of death from all causes,
the authors said.
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is
the narrowing and hardening of the arteries that supply blood to the legs and
feet. There are often no symptoms. The UK vascular check programme for
over-40s which includes a test for hypertension, advises that blood pressure
measurements be taken in both arms. "But surveys have shown that the
average GP doesn't do it," said Dr Clark.
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VOCABULARY
1. Routine
(adj.) - happening as a normal part of a job or process
Example: You mustn't worry. These are just routine
enquiries.
2. Vascular
(adj.) - relating to the tubes through which liquids flow in the bodies of
animals or in plants
Example: vascular
diseases
3. Elevated
(adj.) - higher than normal
Example: elevated blood sugar levels
4. blood pressure (noun) - the force with
which blood moves through a person's body
Example: These drugs
help lower blood pressure.
5. Asymptomatic(adj.)
- having or showing no symptoms of
disease
Example: You
should continue to take the medication, even when you are asymptomatic.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. What is your blood
pressure?
2. How do they take
blood pressure in your country?
3. What is the normal
blood pressure?
4. Tell us how to
maintain a normal blood pressure.
5. Discuss the effect
of low/high blood pressure
