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Inter-arm blood pressure differences in young, healthy patients
Alon Grossman1, Alex Prokupetz, Barak Gordon
1Israeli Air Force Aero Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel. alon2206@012.net.il
Journal of Clinical Hypertension (Greenwich, Conn.)
|July 30, 2013
Summary
Inter-arm blood pressure difference (IAD) is common in young, healthy individuals. This blood pressure variation is not influenced by the initial arm measured, age, BMI, or heart rate.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Clinical Measurement
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Inter-arm blood pressure difference (IAD) prevalence and significance in healthy young adults are not well-defined.
- Annual blood pressure (BP) evaluations are standard for flight academy applicants and aviators, involving measurements on both arms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the prevalence and magnitude of IAD in a cohort of young, healthy patients.
- To investigate factors influencing IAD, including the arm of initial measurement.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of BP measurements from 877 healthy patients between January 1, 2012, and April 30, 2012.
- Calculation of IAD for systolic and diastolic BP.
- Comparison of IAD across groups based on the initial arm of BP measurement.
Main Results:
- Mean systolic BP was consistent between arms across the entire cohort.
- Absolute IAD averaged 5.6±5.5 mm Hg for systolic and 4.7±4.5 mm Hg for diastolic BP.
- 12.6% and 8.8% of patients exhibited systolic and diastolic IAD >10 mm Hg, respectively. IAD was unrelated to age, BMI, and heart rate, but correlated with systolic BP.
Conclusions:
- Inter-arm blood pressure difference is a common finding in young, healthy individuals.
- The initial arm used for BP measurement does not impact IAD.
- IAD in this population is independent of age, BMI, and heart rate, suggesting other underlying factors may be involved.
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