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Blood pressure changes in the leg on standing.
Arun Malhotra1, Debbie Cohen, Charles Syms
1Renal, Electrolyte and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Journal of Clinical Hypertension (Greenwich, Conn.)
|October 9, 2002
Summary
Standing significantly increases lower extremity blood pressure, a factor potentially contributing to peripheral arterial disease development in both normotensive and hypertensive individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects both normotensive and hypertensive patients.
- The role of postural changes in blood pressure regulation concerning PAD pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate significant changes in lower extremity blood pressures upon standing.
- To explore the potential role of these changes in the pathogenesis of peripheral arterial disease.
Main Methods:
- Blood pressure measurements were taken in the arm and ankle of 41 subjects in both supine and standing positions.
- Analysis included comparing blood pressure changes between upper and lower extremities upon postural transition.
Main Results:
- A marked increase in leg blood pressure was observed upon standing.
- Mean increases of 65 mm Hg systolic and 62 mm Hg diastolic blood pressure were recorded in the lower extremities compared to the arm.
- Diastolic pressure changes in the leg on standing correlated significantly with subject height (r=0.47; p<0.002).
Conclusions:
- A substantial increase in lower extremity blood pressure occurs when assuming the standing position.
- This previously unappreciated hemodynamic change may predispose individuals to peripheral arterial disease.