Why does blood pressure differ between arms?

Small differences in blood pressure readings between the right and left arm are normal. But large ones suggest the presence of artery-clogging plaque in the vessel that supplies blood to the arm with higher blood pressure.

How do you control diastolic blood pressure?

Follow the 20 tips below to help lower your overall blood pressure, including diastolic blood pressure.

Focus on heart-healthy foods.
Limit saturated and trans fats.
Reduce sodium in your diet.
Eat more potassium.
Lay off the caffeine.
Cut back on alcohol.
Ditch sugar.
Switch to dark chocolate.

Is it normal to have different blood pressure readings in each arm?

Generally, a small difference in blood pressure readings between arms isn’t a health concern. However, a difference of more than 10 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) for either your top number (systolic pressure) or bottom number (diastolic) may be a sign of blocked arteries in the arms, diabetes or other health problem.

How should you hold your arm when taking blood pressure?

Place the cuff on your bare upper arm one inch above the bend of your elbow. Make sure the tubing falls over the front center of your arm so that the sensor is correctly placed. Pull the end of the cuff so that it’s evenly tight around your arm.

What arm should you take blood pressure?

Secure the blood pressure cuff around your upper arm if you are using a conventional monitor. For finger and wrist monitors, place the cuff around the appropriate body part. In terms of which arm to check blood pressure from, it is best to use your left arm if you are right handed and vice versa.

Why is your blood pressure different in each arm?

A less common cause of blood pressure that is different in each arm is an aortic dissection. This is a tear inside the wall of the aorta, the main pipeline of oxygenated blood from the heart to the body.

What blood pressure higher in one arm can mean?

A large difference in systolic blood pressure between arms – defined as ≥ 10 mm Hg – may be a sign of increased cardiovascular disease – and even the threat of death. That is because when blood pressure is higher in one arm, it may be because of narrowing in a blood vessel, called “artery”, in that arm.