Blood pressure: Can it be higher in one arm?

When I measure my blood pressure at home, I've noticed that the reading is always higher in one arm. Should I be concerned?

- No name / No state given

Answer

Generally, a small difference in blood pressure readings between arms isn't a health concern.

Blood pressure readings are given in two numbers. The top number is the maximum pressure your heart exerts while beating (systolic pressure), and the bottom number is the amount of pressure in your arteries between beats (diastolic pressure). A difference of less than 5 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) between arms for either reading is normal. However, a difference of more than 20 mm Hg for systolic pressure or more than 10 mm Hg for diastolic pressure may be a sign of an underlying problem — such as narrowing of the main arteries to that arm. If you have a significant difference in blood pressure readings between arms, consult your doctor for an evaluation.

Remember, many factors affect blood pressure. To detect a difference in blood pressure between arms, your doctor may take a series of alternate-arm blood pressure readings. He or she may also measure your blood pressure in both arms at the same time with two blood pressure gauges and two observers.

If your blood pressure is higher in one arm, your doctor will probably use the blood pressure reading from that arm to monitor your blood pressure.

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