Measuring blood pressure in both arms is a practice that has been recommended by various health guidelines for decades, yet it remains underutilized. Recent studies have reinforced the importance of this practice, highlighting that differences in blood pressure between the two arms can indicate underlying health issues.
Why Measure in Both Arms?
Research suggests that a significant difference in systolic blood pressure between the two arms—typically more than 10 mmHg—can be a marker for asymptomatic peripheral vascular disease (PVD), which involves the narrowing and hardening of arteries supplying blood to the legs and feet[1][7]. Moreover, a difference of 15 mmHg or more has been linked to an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, cardiovascular mortality, and overall mortality[1].
Current Guidelines and Practices
Despite these findings, measuring blood pressure in both arms is not a standard practice in many healthcare settings. However, recent studies have provided evidence supporting this approach. For instance, a study published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension emphasizes the importance of using the higher reading from both arms to more accurately diagnose hypertension[1]. This aligns with long-standing recommendations from various health organizations, including the American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology[3][5].
Recent Developments
In recent years, there has been a shift towards more aggressive management of blood pressure. The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology have lowered the threshold for diagnosing hypertension to 130/80 mmHg, emphasizing the importance of early intervention to prevent cardiovascular complications[4]. While these guidelines primarily focus on managing hypertension, they underscore the need for accurate blood pressure measurement techniques, including measuring in both arms.
Conclusion
Measuring blood pressure in both arms is a simple yet crucial step in identifying potential vascular issues early. As healthcare continues to evolve, incorporating this practice into routine care could lead to better outcomes for patients by identifying those at higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. Despite its importance, it remains underutilized, highlighting the need for increased awareness and adherence to these guidelines among healthcare professionals.
Read More
[1] https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/08/03/are-you-taking-blood-pressure-in-both-arms-you-should-study-finds
[2] https://www.helloheart.com/post/ncqa-proposed-changes-to-2025-hedis-blood-pressure-measure-what-you-need-to-know
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2648937/
[4] https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/reading-the-new-blood-pressure-guidelines
[5] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.124.24173
[6] https://mdinteractive.com/mips_quality_measure/2025-mips-quality-measure-236
[7] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jch.14497
[8] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41440-024-01927-w