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The next time you get your blood pressure checked, you may consider asking the physician to take it in both arms. The reason: A difference in blood pressure readings between arms is linked to a greater risk of heart attack, stroke and death, according to researchers. They conclude that the higher the blood pressure difference between the two arms, the greater is a person’s additional health risk.
According to the authors, international blood pressure guidelines currently advise health professionals to measure blood pressure in both arms when assessing cardiovascular risk, but this is widely ignored. The latest findings could lead to a change in international hypertension guidelines, meaning more at-risk patients could be identified and receive potentially life-saving treatment, they emphasize in the report published in the journal, Hypertension.
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Taking blood pressure measurements of both arms, one after the other, could help to save lives, researchers find
Updated: 22 Dec 2020, 1:09
TAKING blood pressure measurements of both arms, one after the other, could help to save lives, researchers have found.
Scientists who studied data on 54,000 people say a significant difference can indicate arteries are stiffening or narrowing, a warning sign for possible heart attack or stroke.
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Taking blood pressure measurements from both arms, one after the other, could ultimately save lives , experts revealCredit: Alamy
Dr Chris Clark, of the University of Exeter Medical School, said GPs check pressure in both arms about half the time due to time constraints.
Differences in blood pressure between your arms may be sign of heart trouble, study says albanyherald.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from albanyherald.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.