Left arm BP consistently higher than right arm BP

[Horsewhisper]

Hello everyone, just wondered if anyone has had anything similar? A review appointment at the GCA clinic last week picked up a 20 mm Hg difference in left arm systolic pressure, compared to the right arm. Not much difference in the diastolic pressures. The doc suggested that I take my BP 3 times a day for the next 3 days in both arms and see if there is at least 10 mm Hg difference in the readings between left and right arms, which there is, with the systolic. Currently on 22.5 mg Pred which is just about managing symptoms. Should I report back to GP or report back to GCA clinic or both? The doc didn’t say and I forgot to ask...

[alvertta]

Never do both arms. Will have to experiment.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It can be a symptom of something called subclavian steal syndrome and that is something that is a differential diagnosis in GCA. Something at the back of my mind tells me that SheffieldJane also had uneven BPs in her arms and she is dx'd with LVV.

[Horsewhisper in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks Pro - I’ll email the GCA clinic and see what they say - also it will be useful to see what SJ says if she pops along later.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Horsewhisper]

Oh yes - that was your other question - I'd bring it to the notice of the doctor who told you to check your BP.

[Horsewhisper in reply to PMRpro]

Ok will do

[Constance13]

Wow I'd be dead by now if that was so!! I've had different readings for years (on and off). Doctors don't know why so I don't worry.

[Horsewhisper in reply to Constance13]

Interesting to hear that - I’ll get it checked out anyway, it might just be “one of those things” thanks for responding.

[Horsewhisper]

Thanks wbiC, I can take aspirin so will give that a go just in case.

[SheffieldJane]

I would report back to the GCA clinic. When I had ‘this symptom I ended up having a scan of my Aortic system. Nothing abnormal was found. Later on I was diagnosed with Large Vessel Vasculitis via a scan of my head, neck and armpits, looking specifically for GCA.

[Jan_Noack in reply to SheffieldJane]

what kind of scan was it. I also had different blood pressure and later my right arm was a couple of sizes larger than my left (in 2015)..the PMR in 2016. The pred has evened out in arms..now fat everywhere! I should take my blood pressure again but it used to hurt so I gave up. I did have a CT scan with iodine which was supposed to do the chest area as well.. but I never saw anything reported about that part of the scan..it was 3 injections of iodine and Diamox for brain, neck and chest. Only saw the brain reported on... dI don't want to go thru that one again either. was yours a Ct scan or ultrasound or MRI?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Jan_Noack]

Butting in as is my wont - I think it will have been the same sort of ultrasound scan they use for the temporal artery but they look at the brachial artery and carotid as well which can all show the typical thickening of the wall and the halo sign.

It is quite common for people with PMR to complain that it hurts more than usual when their BP is taken.

[SheffieldJane in reply to Jan_Noack]

Ultrasound specifically looking for signs of GCA. This requires specialist training on the part of the technician and is not routinely offered.The blood pressure machine I have at home is unpleasantly tight unlike some at surgeries. I put up with it though, it’s important.

[Horsewhisper in reply to SheffieldJane]

I’ll send an email today with my readings. I did have an armpit and temporal ultrasound scan at the clinic last week - all clear and I’m currently on 25 mg Pred. I’ll see what they say, thanks for your input.

[Viv54]

Hi, last app with my Rhumy took BP both arms one was a fair bit higher, i to had never had both arms done, shesaid not to worry so i didnt , and it went away ! Forgot to ask why . best wishes Viv x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Viv54]

It should be checked - don't worry but if there is a big difference there may be something going on that needs to be on record.

[maria40 in reply to Viv54]

I had this picked up when I was having a routine dermatological treatment when my BP was being measured. Dermatologist told me to check it out with my GP who told it was nothing to worry about. That was a few years ago now and haven't had any problems since.

[Suffererc]

My Right arm BP is always higher than the left.

[xdbx]

I have uneven BP readings too, but other way around to you. Following ultrasound scan of both arms it was discovered I have reduced blood flow in the right arm caused by an old episode of vasculitis, apparently no longer active, which has left a narrowing of the artery. My cardiologist explained that the blood simply finds new routes to carry the blood to where it needs to go and I've had no further consultations or treatments. I now have my BP measured on the right arm.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to xdbx]

Which is how it should be approached. It IS often nothing to worry about as long as you know what is causing it - but it shouldn't be just dismissed.