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Have CAD. Family History Of Heart Problems. Difference In Blood Pressure In Arms?
I have CAD and a very strong family hx. My father,and two brothers passed away 2 age 45 and 55 my dad was 65. I am a 52 y/o female who had my 1st MI at 41 and stent placement in my co-dom. circ. My blood pressures are 200/120 in my right arm, yet 170/90 in my left, there is at least a 30 point diference from R-L can you expalain what causes such a difference? Thank You, Lori
Mon, 29 Jul 2013
Hello,
Welcome to Healthcaremagic.
From your query i understood you are worried about big difference in blood pressure of both arms.
A difference of more than 20 mm hg in numerator and more than 10 mm hg in denominator between both arms increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke etc.
This is because you may have Peripheral vascular disease essentially cholesterol-clogged arteries in the arms, atherosclerosis.
It also increase risk of stroke.
It is better to check the blood pressure in lower limb also.
You need regular health check up including blood pressure readings.
Please check cholesterol levels in blood
If it is found to be high, you may need cholesterol control drugs and diet modification.
Hope this helps.
Take care.
Welcome to Healthcaremagic.
From your query i understood you are worried about big difference in blood pressure of both arms.
A difference of more than 20 mm hg in numerator and more than 10 mm hg in denominator between both arms increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke etc.
This is because you may have Peripheral vascular disease essentially cholesterol-clogged arteries in the arms, atherosclerosis.
It also increase risk of stroke.
It is better to check the blood pressure in lower limb also.
You need regular health check up including blood pressure readings.
Please check cholesterol levels in blood
If it is found to be high, you may need cholesterol control drugs and diet modification.
Hope this helps.
Take care.
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Hi Lori, Welcome to HCM.
Based on the information you have given, you have a strong family history of cardiovascular disease that puts you at a risk as well. A small difference between the arms is quite normal, however more than 10mmHg should be considered seriously such as in your case (30mmHg). One of the primary causes of this difference is clogging of your arteries possibly due to built up of an atherosclerotic plaque at the root of your arm blood vessels. Echocardiography and coronary angiography are highly indicated as coronary arteries are likely to be affected as well. Also I will advise that you get your blood lipid levels examined. It is likely that they may be high, in that case lipid lowering medication such as statins should be started. Thus, I strongly advise you to consult your cardiologist to manage your condition.
Hope this helps.
Based on the information you have given, you have a strong family history of cardiovascular disease that puts you at a risk as well. A small difference between the arms is quite normal, however more than 10mmHg should be considered seriously such as in your case (30mmHg). One of the primary causes of this difference is clogging of your arteries possibly due to built up of an atherosclerotic plaque at the root of your arm blood vessels. Echocardiography and coronary angiography are highly indicated as coronary arteries are likely to be affected as well. Also I will advise that you get your blood lipid levels examined. It is likely that they may be high, in that case lipid lowering medication such as statins should be started. Thus, I strongly advise you to consult your cardiologist to manage your condition.
Hope this helps.
I find this answer helpful
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