It's actually quite normal. A difference of more than 10 points, though, could suggest trouble. In younger people, side-to-side differences in blood pressure can occur when a muscle or something else compresses an artery supplying the arm, or by a structural problem that prevents smooth blood flow through an artery.
A repeated difference of more than 10 mm Hg in blood pressure measurement between the arms can be a sign of a health problem such as: Blocked arteries in the arms, known as peripheral artery disease.
Higher pressures are more frequent in the right arm and range in most individuals from 10 to 20 mmHg or greater in systole, and to a similar extent but less often in diastole. A BP difference between the left and right arms—even when large—is statistically a normal variant and need not necessarily cause concern.
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.
The sensitivity for the detection of hypertension was 90.6% when BP was measured only at right arm, and 83.4% when measured only at left arm. Corresponding sensitivity were 87.9% and 87.1% in men, and 95.4% and 76.9% in women.
Whether measuring at home or at a doctor's office, your blood pressure should be taken in both arms simultaneously, if possible. A blood pressure difference of less than 5 mmHg between the left and right arm is considered normal.
Blood pressure has a daily pattern. Usually, blood pressure starts to rise a few hours before a person wakes up. It continues to rise during the day, peaking in midday. Blood pressure typically drops in the late afternoon and evening.
Blood Pressure Cuff Placement
If the cuff is too small, it can add 2 to 10 points to your bp measurement. Be sure to roll up your sleeve for a blood pressure test and also let your doctor know if the cuff feels too tight around your arm.
As for home blood pressure monitoring, he said, if people repeatedly detect a significant difference between the arms, they should tell their doctor. Clark was also in favor of doctors checking both arms, at least once -- in part to get a more accurate gauge of patients' blood pressure.
While both numbers in a blood pressure reading are essential for diagnosing and treating high blood pressure, doctors primarily focus on the top number, also known as systolic pressure.
Don't check your blood pressure too often.
Some people find that they become worried or stressed about small changes in their readings if they take them too often. Worrying can also raise your blood pressure in the short term, making your reading higher than it should be.
Do a breathing exercise. Take a deep breath from your core, hold your breath for about two seconds, then slowly exhale. Pause for a few moments and repeat. Relax! Stress is a key contributor to high blood pressure, so do whatever you can to relax.
Your health care provider might recommend taking your blood pressure at the same times each day. Don't measure your blood pressure right after you wake up. You can prepare for the day, but don't eat breakfast or take medications before measuring your blood pressure.
Practice stress relief
For example, breathe deeply and exhale slowly. Try a few of these breaths before your blood pressure reading. Reciting a poem or verse in your mind may help you relax, too.
The hypothesis is that the resting time before the blood pressure measurement should be longer than 5 minutes to reach the stabilization of the blood pressure in patients13,14. Confirming this hypothesis could have important implication regarding hypertension screening.
For 30% of them, the systolic pressure—the first number of a blood pressure reading—was 5 mm Hg or more different from the office reference measurement. The diastolic pressure (second number) was similarly inaccurate. "In one patient, the pressure was off by 21 mm Hg," Dr. Hiremath says.
Your first blood pressure reading will almost always be higher than the second due to a wide range of factors, both environmental and psychological. These factors include white coat syndrome, stress, and having a full bladder.
Magnesium intake of 500 mg/d to 1000 mg/d may reduce blood pressure (BP) as much as 5.6/2.8 mm Hg. However, clinical studies have a wide range of BP reduction, with some showing no change in BP.
There's no quick and safe way to lower blood pressure outside of a medical setting. Lifestyle changes that incorporate exercise, diet, and stress-reducing techniques can naturally lower blood pressure over time.
Taking your blood pressure daily can be great way to monitor your health. If you're planning to start monitoring at home, it's important to be as accurate as possible. One of the best ways to get an accurate blood pressure reading is to measure at the same time each day.
“I advise people diagnosed with hypertension to check their blood pressure twice per day until they have it under control,” she says. “After that, it's fine to check it one to two times per week.”
In addition, strain at stool causes blood pressure rise, which can trigger cardiovascular events such as congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, acute coronary disease, and aortic dissection.
New Blood Pressure Standards for Seniors
The ideal blood pressure for seniors is now considered 120/80 (systolic/diastolic), which is the same for younger adults. The high blood pressure range for seniors starts at hypertension stage 1, spanning between 130-139/80-89.