SmorgasBoard

[llecs]

My BP has been dropping a bit lately, but I'm wondering if that's accurate. I used to be at Hypertension Stage 1, but that's dropped to Normal/High-Normal. Getting there. I've been using a store bought monitor. It says to use your left arm. Why is that? Why not your right (I'm a lefty)? I tried it on my right and it's much higher.

[MarineVietVet]

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llecs wrote:

My BP has been dropping a bit lately, but I'm wondering if that's accurate. I used to be at Hypertension Stage 1, but that's dropped to Normal/High-Normal. Getting there. I've been using a store bought monitor. It says to use your left arm. Why is that? Why not your right (I'm a lefty)? I tried it on my right and it's much higher.

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When I was a firefighter/EMT they taught us that since the left arm is closer to your heart (left ventricle) that it is a more accurate reading.

Disclaimer: Medical knowledge/training/recommendations are constantly changing and what I was told may have been debunked long ago. 

From a BK years ago to:
EX - 3/11 pulled by lender- 835, EQ - 2/11-816, TU - 2/11-782

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem".

[laz98]

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MarineVietVet wrote:

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llecs wrote:

My BP has been dropping a bit lately, but I'm wondering if that's accurate. I used to be at Hypertension Stage 1, but that's dropped to Normal/High-Normal. Getting there. I've been using a store bought monitor. It says to use your left arm. Why is that? Why not your right (I'm a lefty)? I tried it on my right and it's much higher.

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When I was a firefighter/EMT they taught us that since the left arm is closer to your heart (left ventricle) that it is a more accurate reading.

Disclaimer: Medical knowledge/training/recommendations are constantly changing and what I was told may have been debunked long ago. 

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+1.  My friend is an EMT & he was taught that as well.  Also, my gf's sister is a nurse

[drkaje]

There shouldn't be a huge difference between the two sides. If memory serves, less than 10%.

[dharalex]

You are all correct. The left side is often used because the heart is on the left, and the arm/ cuff should e at the level of the heart to be most accurate. That being said, a large discrepancy in one arm compared to the other is not necessarily normal. I would recommend you check your pressure a couple more times on different days. If the discrepancy continues, I would have it checked at your physician's. It may be absolutely nothing, but it could involve a problem with narrowing or stenosis of your major blood vessels, specifically the subclavian artery. As an anesthesiologist, I feel qualified to provide this information; however let this serve as a disclaimer that I am not diagnosing or offering treatment to anyone on this site. I recommend your follow the suggestions of a physician of your choice.

[llecs]

Thanks for the head's up everyone.