Previously it was believed that for to measure blood pressure, it is enough to choose one hand, since the readings on both hands are usually the same.
This information was reported by Radiotrek, reports “URA-Inform”.
However, modern recommendations advise measuring blood pressure on both hands.
How to do it correctly?
First, measure the pressure on your left arm and write down the result. Then, after a few minutes, repeat the measurement on your right arm and also record the data. It is important to remain in the same position during both measurements, as even minor movements, such as standing up or walking slowly, can affect the results.
If the difference between the readings is about 10 mmHg, this is considered normal. However, if the difference is significant, this is a reason to see a doctor, as such deviations may signal problems with the cardiovascular system.
Here's what different differences in readings can mean:
— a difference of 10 mmHg may indicate the onset of asymptomatic peripheral artery disease.
— a difference of 15 mmHg may indicate the development of atherosclerosis or encephalopathy, and also increases the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 70%.
— a difference of 20 mmHg and above may indicate stenosis or aortic dissection, which requires immediate medical examination.
It is worth noting that tonometers can give erroneous results, especially if used incorrectly. Therefore, if the results look unusual, doctors advise to conduct the test again after a short break before drawing conclusions.
Recall that it was previously reported that it reduces the risk of blood clots and slows down aging: the porridge of long-livers has been named.