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Elevated Interarm Systolic Blood Pressure Difference Is Positively Associated with Increased Likelihood of Coronary
Min Li1, Fangfang Fan1, Yan Zhang1,2
1Department of Cardiology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.
Insights
A significant interarm systolic blood pressure difference (IASBPD) of 10 mmHg or more is linked to coronary artery disease. Higher IASBPD values correlate with increased severity of coronary artery disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Systolic interarm blood pressure differences are linked to mortality and cardiovascular disease.
- The association between interarm systolic blood pressure difference and coronary artery disease requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between interarm systolic blood pressure difference (IASBPD) and the presence of coronary artery disease.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing coronary angiography and pulse wave velocity examination (2013-2018).
- Simultaneous bilateral upper arm systolic blood pressure measurements were taken.
- Interarm systolic blood pressure difference (IASBPD) defined as absolute difference; high group (≥10 mmHg) vs. normal group (<10 mmHg).
- Coronary artery disease defined by ≥50% stenosis or interventional therapy.
Main Results:
- Patients with IASBPD ≥10 mmHg had a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (86.1% vs. 74.6%, P=0.029).
- IASBPD ≥10 mmHg was positively correlated with coronary artery disease (OR, 2.313; P=0.029).
- Increasing IASBPD values showed a gradual increase in correlation with coronary artery disease.
Conclusions:
- An interarm systolic blood pressure difference of 10 mmHg or more is positively associated with coronary artery disease.
- Elevated interarm systolic blood pressure difference values correlate with increased coronary artery disease severity.
Background:
Systolic interarm differences in blood pressure have been associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease. We investigated the relationship between interarm systolic blood pressure difference and coronary artery disease.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed data for patients undergoing coronary angiography and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity examination during hospitalization from 2013 to 2018. Patients underwent simultaneous upper arm blood pressure measurement. Interarm systolic blood pressure difference (IASBPD) was defined as the absolute value of the difference between the right and left upper limb systolic blood pressure. Patients with IASBPD ≥10 mmHg constituted the high group, and those with IASBPD <10 mmHg constituted the normal group. We also recorded data for cardiovascular risk factors. Coronary artery disease was defined as ≥50% vessel stenosis or having undergone interventional therapy according to coronary angiography results.
Results:
Compared with the normal group, the number of patients with coronary artery disease was higher in the high group (86.1% vs. 74.6%, P=0.029). Multiple logistic regression showed that IASBPD ≥10 mmHg were positively correlated with coronary artery disease (odds ratio, 2.313; 95% confidence interval, 1.086-4.509; P=0.029), and as the IASBPD value increased, the correlation also gradually increased.
Conclusions:
IASBPD ≥10 mmHg was positively related to coronary artery disease and increased IASBPD values were correlated with coronary artery disease severity.
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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.
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