Table of Contents
Why is blood pressure in legs higher than arms?
It has been recognized for some time that systolic pressures at the level of the ankles can also be elevated in comparison to pressures measured in the arm. This is usually attributed to calcification of the arteries, which prevents arterial compression and results in a falsely elevated pressure measurement.
Do legs have higher blood pressure?
Conclusions: Blood pressure increased when legs were crossed at the knee in the sitting position. No significant increase of blood pressure was found when crossing the legs at the ankles. Leg position during measurement of blood pressure should be standardized and mentioned in publications.
What does it mean if blood pressure is different in each arm?
Generally, a small difference in blood pressure readings between arms isn’t a health concern. However, a difference of more than 10 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) for either your top number (systolic pressure) or bottom number (diastolic) may be a sign of blocked arteries in the arms, diabetes or other health problem.
What should blood pressure be in the leg?
Leg blood pressure should be about the same as arm blood pressure. Comparing the two systolic pressures is called the ankle-brachial index. (“Brachial” is the Latin word for “arm.”) The normal index is 0.9 to 1.3.
What should blood pressure in legs be?
What is normal blood pressure in legs?
Which arm is best for blood pressure?
(It’s best to take your blood pressure from your left arm if you are right-handed. However, you can use the other arm if you have been told to do so by your healthcare provider.) Rest in a chair next to a table for 5 to 10 minutes. (Your left arm should rest comfortably at heart level.)
Is leg blood pressure accurate?
Normally, the systolic blood pressure in the legs is usually 10\% to 20\% higher than the brachial artery pressure. Blood pressure readings that are lower in the legs as compared with the upper arms are considered abnormal and should prompt a work-up for peripheral vascular disease.
Can you take BP in leg?
BP is usually measured on the upper arm using an inflatable cuff. However, sometimes this isn’t possible – this could be due to arm problems caused by stroke or missing limbs. BP can be measured in the leg instead.