Correlating the relationship between interarm systolic blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk factors

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Vascular Biology
• Hypertension Research

Background:

• Interarm systolic blood pressure difference (IASBPD) is an emerging indicator for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
• Understanding the association between IASBPD and established CVD risk factors is crucial for early detection and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between IASBPD and various cardiovascular disease risk factors in a large cohort.
• To identify specific risk factors associated with a high IASBPD (≥10 mm Hg).

Main Methods:

• Simultaneous bilateral arm blood pressure measurements were taken from 1426 individuals.
• IASBPD was calculated as the absolute difference (|R-L|).
• Comparison of cardiovascular risk factors between high IASBPD and normal IASBPD groups, including logistic regression analysis.

Main Results:

• The high IASBPD group exhibited a higher prevalence of hypertension, elevated body mass index (BMI), and increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
• Vascular stiffness markers, including intima-media thickness and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, were significantly higher in the high IASBPD group.
• Multivariate analysis confirmed IASBPD ≥10 mm Hg was positively associated with BMI and systolic blood pressure, and negatively with ankle-brachial index.

Conclusions:

• A significant interarm systolic blood pressure difference (≥10 mm Hg) is associated with multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors.
• IASBPD may serve as a valuable, non-invasive marker for identifying individuals at higher risk for vascular complications.
• Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of IASBPD in cardiovascular risk stratification.