AboutWilliam B. Jeffries, Ph.D. Expertise Questions on the mechanism of action and side effects of antihypertensive drugs, the epidemiology of hypertension and the cardiovascular complications of untreated or undertreated high blood pressure
Experience I have been an investigator in the field of hypertension research for over 20 years.
Organizations Council for High Blood Pressure Research
American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
American Heart Association
Publications Hypertension, Journal of Hypertension, Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Molecular Pharmacology, American Journal of Physiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics of Dentistry
Question I have never had high blood pressure, was at Dr.'s they took it in right arm was 189/94 told me to call my Dr. He said to keep track for a week and write down twice a day, was doing on my right side and my husband said it's supposed to be done on the left, when I do it on the left, it is normal, went to Dr. Wed., they did it on left 122/82 then I asked them to do it on the right 194/90, said there is probably a blockage,(I went to er before going to Dr. because my reading was 212/94, they did it there (right arm)and explained to me it means nothing unless the bottom number reaches 115. My question then, should I have any concerns, if so, what type of test should I have?
Thank you in advance
Answer Hi Penny,
A blood pressure reading that is higher in one arm vs. the other can sometimes indicate an underlying vascular problem. A contrast-enhanced CT of the chest may be used to determine the cause of the inter-arm variation in pressure. A vascular ultrasound may be useful as well. I would ask your primary care physician to look into this problem and determine the cause of the difference. Good luck.
