Exeter: Scientists say blood pressure should be measured in both arms instead of just one arm. Experts fear that the current method of measuring blood pressure could prevent millions of cases of hypertension.
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A study of more than 50,000 people analyzed the difference between blood pressure measurements taken in one arm and measurements taken in both arms. When both measurements were taken, 12 percent of patients who were reported as doing well were reclassified as having high blood pressure.
Dr Christopher Clarke, who led the study from the University of Exeter, said high blood pressure is a global problem, and ignoring fluctuations can be life-threatening.
He said that not taking measurements from both arms and using high measurements not only leads to incomplete diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure, but also underestimates the risk to millions of people worldwide.
He said that it is impossible to tell from which arm a better measurement can be taken. So it is important to check both arms.
