Is blood pressure different in the legs?

Response From the Expert 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.

Is blood pressure higher in arms or legs?

Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware that the right arm systolic blood pressure is higher than the left in most people. Also that it is different in the legs whereby the left ankle pressure is higher than the right ankle pressure.

Do muscular arms affect blood pressure readings?

For every 5 cm increase in arm circumference, starting at 35 cm, a 2-5 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure, and a 1-3 mmHg increase in diastolic blood pressure was observed. The prevalence of arms with a large circumference in the family medicine unit and hypertension clinic was 42\% and 41.8\%, respectively.

Why is blood pressure higher in legs 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.

Can blood pressure reading be taken from the 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.

Is the pulse systolic or diastolic?

The top number (systolic) minus the bottom number (diastolic) is the pulse pressure. For example, if the resting blood pressure is 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), the pulse pressure is 40 — which is considered a healthy pulse pressure.

What causes false blood pressure readings?

Most blood pressure reading errors are the result of improper sizing of the blood pressure cuff or placing the cuff over clothing. Improper placement of the cuff over clothing can cause your blood pressure measurement to increase by 10 to 50 points.