Two arm pressure readings show risk
Monday January 30th, 2012
Measuring blood pressure in both arms could help detect risk of heart disease, British researchers reported today.
A
new analysis suggests doctors could look for differences in blood pressure
between left and right arms to detect hardening of the arteries.
The study shows the technique is most effective at spotting peripheral vascular disease, which affects the arteries supplying the legs and feet.
It is also linked to increased risk of stroke and heart disease.
Experts said the technique needed more research - and was unlikely to become a stand-alone test for heart disease.
Reporting in The Lancet, Dr Christopher Clark, of Peninsula Medical School, Devon, UK, reports that a difference of 15 mmHg in systolic blood pressure between the arms is linked to a two and a half times increased risk of peripheral vascular disease and a 1.6 times increased risks of blood vessel disease affecting the brain.
It is also linked to a 70 per cent increased risk of dying from heart disease.
The findings come from an analysis of 28 studies of the issue.
Dr Clark, a GP in Witheridge, Devon, said: "Our findings indicate a strong association, and that differences of 10mm Hg or 15mm Hg or more might help to identify patients who are at risk and who need further vascular assessment."
Natasha Stewart, a cardiac nurse of the British Heart Foundation, said measuring blood pressure differences would be "quick and simple".
She said: "It’s too early to say whether this idea could become part of standard health care practice and so we need more research to confirm the findings.
"It’s very important that other risk factors, apart from high blood pressure, are taken into account to establish whether doctors need to take a closer look at someone’s heart disease risk."
Tags: Heart Health | UK News
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