Hypertension

If you have hypertension, be sure to take your blood pressure on both arms. A new study in the British Medical Journal bolsters the findings of a recent review in The Lancet, which found that a difference in blood pressure between both arms may put you at greater risk of severe cardiovascular consequences.

This most recent study found that for every one mm Hg difference in blood pressure, there was a 9 percent increased risk of death over the next 10 years. A difference of 15 mm Hg was linked with an increased risk of peripheral vascular disease — hardening and narrowing of the arteries in the neck, abdomen and legs.
 Blood pressure readings that vary by a few points are not cause for alarm, say the study’s researchers. However, a difference of more than 10 points could be a sign of trouble. Be sure to talk to your internist, family doctor or cardiologist about your findings.