WHEN TAKING BLOOD PRESSURE, BOTH ARMS SHOULD BE CHECKED

The ideal way to take blood pressure is by measuring it in both arms, according to international guidelines. But in real life, this happens only half of the time at best – even at the doctor’s surgery. Checking both arms is important because when arteries stiffen and harden, one side is usually affected more than the other in a way that blood-pressure testing may detect. A slight disparity isn’t cause for concern, but a difference of 10 mmHg in the systolic number could be a sign of cardiovascular problems. Next time you visit the GP, encourage the doctor to check both arms.