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Blood pressure measurements in patients with Takayasu arteritis: a work of caution
Franz Hafner1, Harald Froehlich, Thomas Gary
1Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria. franz.hafner@medunigraz.at
Abstract:
Takayasu arteritis is a large vessel vasculitis among young women that affects the aorta and its branches. Disease-related subclavian or brachial obstructions can lead to hypotensive brachial blood pressure values. By contrast, arterial hypertension is also frequent in this disease, possibly unrecognized in case of solitary brachial blood pressure measurement. We present the case of a 28-year-old woman with cerebral hypoperfusion related to Takayasu arteritis. Despite "pseudo-hypotensive" brachial blood pressure values of 70 mm Hg, Doppler measurement of the ankle revealed a systolic pressure of 220 mm Hg. In Takayasu vasculitis, additional ankle pressure measurement may represent the true cardiac load and blood pressure.
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Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
Sites for measuring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
Measurement of Blood Pressure
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
