Blood pressure different between arms

[foodanddrink]

I was at the hospital yesterday and had my BP taken 3 times. The first was the right arm which was slightly low. After 5 - 10 mins I had it taken on the left arm which is much higher than than first one (around 15 points). Third time on the left arm similar measurements to the second one. So there seems to be a difference between arms.

It didn't occur to me until I get home that the measurements were taken on different arms.

Just had my BP checked by the nurse. Left arm 110/70, right arm 100/60, then again right arm 105/70. Nurse said these BP are OK, only if there is a much higher difference than these readings that you need to be concerned about.

Is it normal for left arm always higher than the right?

That sounds ok. You have got it checked out now. Please stop worrying, that is not a significant difference.

Thanks @AnyFucker

I'm such a worrier when it comes to health and I am seeing a counsellor regarding my anxiety soon.

I know I should be reassured by this morning's readings. But I now realised that when taking the measurement of my left arm, my left arm was resting on the arm of the chair (next to the monitor). When taking the measurement of the right arm, my right arm was rested on my lap (monitor cord too short). Will it effect the readings? The nurse didn't say anything regarding the position of arms.

Anxiety sucks.

I know.

Love, if the nurse was concerned she/he would have referred you to the GP.

Thanks for reassuring me, @AnyFucker.

Anyone who has different bp between arms? Am I the only one?

Ahem

It seems I'm the only one.

I'm a nurse, your readings are Fine. Chill out!

@Steelesauce Will the positions of my arms effect the readings?

They can do, and how well the cuffs put on, if its an electric or a manual BP etc. Etc. Stop stressing over nothing. I have seen an aortic dissection and you wouldn't be posting on bloody mumsnet in the middle of one.

I'm worrying about an increase risk of PAD and other things that I googled. (I know, I know I shouldn't googled)!

It's completely normal to have a slight variation between arms. Your blood pressure is fine x

To be a problem, your BP would actually have to be high

Which it is not

I was mistakenly diagnosed with PAD by a nurse on the basis of blood preasure readings on arms and legs. Over 3 MONTHs later I saw a consultant who said I had no risk factors, could do his stepping test and was quite dismissive of diagnosis based on blood pressure readings alone!

When you have anxiety you can't think rational. What if my right arm position was not correct and the numbers were actually lower? Then the difference would be much bigger.

@AdventuresRUs Was your readings different too? What led the nurse to diagnose you with PAD, if you don't mind me asking?

A specialist nurse had to measure pressure on arms and legs after lying still for 10mins. I have no idea why I gave strange readings. I also had leg pain (but not in the right place).

The point was she was completely wrong and the consultant not impressed Id been worried that long when I had no risk factors.

Blood pressure can vary depending on whether arm is up or down and on what you've been doing
Mine can vary quite a few points before/after a gp visit!!

See your Dr if youre worried but this sounda far more like health anxiety (which I totally get!)

I've already been to the nurse today and she said if the difference is more than 30 - 40 points then that could be a problem, but I googled and it says less than 30 - 40 points.

Yes, I hate health anxiety!

Was it done manually or with a machine? The machines can vary massively, a manual reading can be more accurate

Hospital ones were automatic, this morning was the manual one.

The position of your arm will only make a difference if the BP cuff is moved to the dependent bit of arm for 1 of the readings (and even then the difference would be very small because arms are pretty short). Presumably the nurse didn’t say anything about position because they knew what they were doing.

@cerseilannister The automated machines use a completely different technique measuring BP to the manual sphygmomanometers. Both have their advantages and limitations and can be more or less accurate in different conditions (including for the manual sphygs how good the user’s hearing is!).

@Walkingthoughawall, from what you've read so far on this thread, do you think my readings are OK, even with the difference?

Assuming you are a HCP I would be grateful to hear what you think. Thanks.

Sorry spelling mistake, should be @Walkingthroughawall