[neilep (OP)]

Dear BP Monitoroloigists and Peeps With Blood Pressure ?

See This BP Monitor ?


 [ Invalid Attachment ]

Nice eh ?

A few questions if I may indulge ewe !


Now I understand that the heart is generally considered to be on the left of your chest so..is this the reason why they always use your left arm ?..if not..then why your left arm ?...what happens if I use my right arm ?......what about the ' wrist ' ones ?..are they any good ?.....what if I use my leg ?




..and ewe know what I hate ?......when the cuff starts to deflate and ewe can feel your heart beat...I HATE that....do ewe ?


Thanks



neil
137/82

[OldDragon]

I can't answer all of your questions, Neil, but can assure you that my blood pressure is always taken on the right side at the moment. This since having had the left axillary lymph node clearance op a fortnight ago, and having acquired a small degree of lymphoedema. I haven't noticed there being any great variance in what I would expect my blood pressure to be or what it was when, pre-op, the left was used.

[neilep (OP)]

I can't answer all of your questions, Neil, but can assure you that my blood pressure is always taken on the right side at the moment. This since having had the left axillary lymph node clearance op a fortnight ago, and having acquired a small degree of lymphoedema. I haven't noticed there being any great variance in what I would expect my blood pressure to be or what it was when, pre-op, the left was used.

Thank Ewe Old Dragon (still wishing ewe well )

That's very interesting....I bought one of those BP Monitors and the instructions make it quite clear that it has to the the left arm and also the positioning needs to be pedantically correct....too high or too low and you'll get the wrong reading !!..I've never had a GP or nurse appear to be so pedantic when it comes to positioning the cuff.....but...I guess it's second nature to them.

Thank Ewe.

[Karen W.]

my blood pressure is alwaya taken on the right due to my left arm damage.. very painful on the left. I bought my cuf BP monitor  and took it to the doctor where we checked it with the BP monitor there and they ran basically the same in accuracy after many many repeats... so she saidsd it was a good cuff. I had a cheapie but it was not accurate.. way off. so I paid a couple hndred dollars to get a good one... it works good.

Now I do believe they do it on the left arm because it is the heart side and a more accurat read.
 i haven't noticed a difference at all from one side or the other.. I beleive that it may depend on arteries, I am not sure, and yes that feeling and pressure release bothers me.. it is kinda creepy to feel it beat so strong... I have periods where my heat races and I can feel it and hear it pounding! I don't like it either.

[rosalind dna]

Neil when I have my BP taken then it's on the right side or the left side depending on which side the Doc's desk/table is.

The results will come out for you/doc too which ever side of your body it's taken from. I think.

[grumpy old mare]

I don't think the heart is necessarily on your left, anyway, it's more "middling".
And it does seem to depend on which side the Doc's table is!

[neilep (OP)]

my blood pressure is alwaya taken on the right due to my left arm damage.. very painful on the left. I bought my cuf BP monitor  and took it to the doctor where we checked it with the BP monitor there and they ran basically the same in accuracy after many many repeats... so she saidsd it was a good cuff. I had a cheapie but it was not accurate.. way off. so I paid a couple hndred dollars to get a good one... it works good.

Now I do believe they do it on the left arm because it is the heart side and a more accurat read.
 i haven't noticed a difference at all from one side or the other.. I beleive that it may depend on arteries, I am not sure, and yes that feeling and pressure release bothers me.. it is kinda creepy to feel it beat so strong... I have periods where my heat races and I can feel it and hear it pounding! I don't like it either.

Thank Ewe Kareny Mam.

I am so sorry for the damage ewe have in your left arm.

The BP monitor I bought is no where near as expensive as yours but is sold by reputable pharmacy here in the UK and is made for them by a specialist manufacturer. It seems to work well.

I too exhibit those periods of rushing heart beats and when weighing myself I can even see the weight indicator move in tandem with my heart beat !

[OldDragon]

Not really relative to your question, Neil, but I can usually take my pulse accurately simply by 'feeling' the beats without needing to place a finger on a normal pulse point and watching the second habd of my watch.

It's something I have often wondered related to blood pressure, but I can do it when resting, sitting, standing still etc.

By a weird co-incidence (another one) the person who helped me learn to 'feel' what was happening in my body, is the one we are referring to as the shaman, and whom I'm currently in a challenge with, and in exchage for my help with his head! lol

Even more of a coincidence, is that this morning it was HIS son who wanted my help with his head, and because he'll be backing me when we do the main part of the challenge on 20th. He was having the same sort of blood pressure sensory feelings and, having never played challenges at this level before, he just didn't understand what was going on or how his young, and fit body could suddenly start to make him aware of it. He wanted to know if he should see his doctor or even pull out of the challenge if so, and to avoid having to explain to his doc what any stress related to! Bless him, he's a smashing lad, but his dad's been winding him up something awful! Lol

These bodily reactions, whether fit and healthy or not, really are fascinating subjects.

Just out of curiosity, I have every intention of monitoring both my own and young Glyn's BP and blood sugar levels during the challenge. That if only to discover if readings from a wrecked one like mine, and in its mid fifties, varies significantly from that of my younger, fitter and considerably healthier team mate's?

This morning I suggested the experiment to him and it seemed to escalate the sensations he was feeling. Fear of the unknown - I can identify with that, but it's excitment & nervous energy in my case as relates to the challenge - and there's still 3 days to go! I'll crash and burn soon if I don't get it under control... And I still need to do more to help that lad get his head in order. He is usually such an easy going, level-headed youngster and very mature for his age. I really feel for him, the way his dad's been psyching him up as if he's about to undergo somethng horrendous, which isn't the case at all!

Out of interest, Neil, what sort of readings would be normal and what contra-indications for the lad to proceed, would you say, please? He's 20 years old, quite lean and althetic and has never had any serious ailments or injuries.

In fact, it would be interesting to see if, using him as subject, there is any significant difference in the pressure readings between his left and right arms.

[paul.fr]

Do you think it could be because most people are right handed, thus making it easier to measure the other persons left hand?

[neilep (OP)]

Neil when I have my BP taken then it's on the right side or the left side depending on which side the Doc's desk/table is.

The results will come out for you/doc too which ever side of your body it's taken from. I think.

Thank EWE Rosalind


This does seem to contradict the information in my instructions then....but there must be a sound reason behind it !

I find the same with injections..they always favour my left arm....

[neilep (OP)]

I don't think the heart is necessarily on your left, anyway, it's more "middling".
And it does seem to depend on which side the Doc's table is!

Thank EWE Grumpy Old Mare

I too have heard that the heart is more ' middling '.....it must lean to the left or somehow be more connected with the left side though !......there's definitely something ' left orientated ' about it !!

[neilep (OP)]

Not really relative to your question, Neil, but I can usually take my pulse accurately simply by 'feeling' the beats without needing to place a finger on a normal pulse point and watching the second habd of my watch.

It's something I have often wondered related to blood pressure, but I can do it when resting, sitting, standing still etc.

By a weird co-incidence (another one) the person who helped me learn to 'feel' what was happening in my body, is the one we are referring to as the shaman, and whom I'm currently in a challenge with, and in exchage for my help with his head! lol

Even more of a coincidence, is that this morning it was HIS son who wanted my help with his head, and because he'll be backing me when we do the main part of the challenge on 20th. He was having the same sort of blood pressure sensory feelings and, having never played challenges at this level before, he just didn't understand what was going on or how his young, and fit body could suddenly start to make him aware of it. He wanted to know if he should see his doctor or even pull out of the challenge if so, and to avoid having to explain to his doc what any stress related to! Bless him, he's a smashing lad, but his dad's been winding him up something awful! Lol

These bodily reactions, whether fit and healthy or not, really are fascinating subjects.

Just out of curiosity, I have every intention of monitoring both my own and young Glyn's BP and blood sugar levels during the challenge. That if only to discover if readings from a wrecked one like mine, and in its mid fifties, varies significantly from that of my younger, fitter and considerably healthier team mate's?

This morning I suggested the experiment to him and it seemed to escalate the sensations he was feeling. Fear of the unknown - I can identify with that, but it's excitment & nervous energy in my case as relates to the challenge - and there's still 3 days to go! I'll crash and burn soon if I don't get it under control... And I still need to do more to help that lad get his head in order. He is usually such an easy going, level-headed youngster and very mature for his age. I really feel for him, the way his dad's been psyching him up as if he's about to undergo somethng horrendous, which isn't the case at all!

Out of interest, Neil, what sort of readings would be normal and what contra-indications for the lad to proceed, would you say, please? He's 20 years old, quite lean and althetic and has never had any serious ailments or injuries.

In fact, it would be interesting to see if, using him as subject, there is any significant difference in the pressure readings between his left and right arms.

I have to say this does sound all vey interesting. I must try and catch up on the information regarding your experiment. Is it back in your original thread ?

I must also say that I am not qualified to answer your question regarding his readings and contra-indications. The only thing I am qualified at here is asking questions and being a sheep !..LOL  [].....what I am saying is that it would be ' dereliction of duty ' for me to even attempt to advise you accordingly as I am not medically trained .

I do wish you all well though !!

Ok...just took a look at my BP instruction leaflet and it says " Everyone has different blood pressure, but the recognised upper values for 'normal' are 140/90. The target for people with diabetes are 140/80"

[neilep (OP)]

Do you think it could be because most people are right handed, thus making it easier to measure the other persons left hand?

That sounds like a really plausible conclusion.

Nice one matey.

[Karen W.]

my blood pressure is alwaya taken on the right due to my left arm damage.. very painful on the left. I bought my cuf BP monitor  and took it to the doctor where we checked it with the BP monitor there and they ran basically the same in accuracy after many many repeats... so she saidsd it was a good cuff. I had a cheapie but it was not accurate.. way off. so I paid a couple hndred dollars to get a good one... it works good.

Now I do believe they do it on the left arm because it is the heart side and a more accurat read.
 i haven't noticed a difference at all from one side or the other.. I beleive that it may depend on arteries, I am not sure, and yes that feeling and pressure release bothers me.. it is kinda creepy to feel it beat so strong... I have periods where my heat races and I can feel it and hear it pounding! I don't like it either.

Thank Ewe Kareny Mam.

I am so sorry for the damage ewe have in your left arm.

The BP monitor I bought is no where near as expensive as yours but is sold by reputable pharmacy here in the UK and is made for them by a specialist manufacturer. It seems to work well.

I too exhibit those periods of rushing heart beats and when weighing myself I can even see the weight indicator move in tandem with my heart beat !

hey.. no worries  about my arm..  thats what I get for not taking better care of myself.... Its my own fault... but thanks Neily..

 a couple I know bout a f dollar one tha works great and is accurate.. they just did not have it when I went to buy one so I ended up with this one.. I needed it right away.. so I payed more for it....instead of ordering and waitin 4 to 6 weeks!
LOL!

 I am glad it works.. I think the only thing is to be consistant about which arm ou take it on and make sure it is elevated above your heart when you take it. least wise that was my doctors instructions.. hold still be quiet elevate and usdse same arm each time and take regular readings at the same time of day... and especially during an episode in my case!

[OldDragon]

There is a leaflet in with my monitor that says to initially test on both arms - unless there are conditions affecting one that preclude it. Take  a note of the systolic (higher) reading number on both arms. The arm that gives the higher systolic reading should be the arm used in future.

I always thought that age had bearing on the systolic reading, and that something like 120/70 to 80 would therfore be about the norm for a 20 yr old, but I'm not sure, either, and not medically trained.

[neilep (OP)]

my blood pressure is alwaya taken on the right due to my left arm damage.. very painful on the left. I bought my cuf BP monitor  and took it to the doctor where we checked it with the BP monitor there and they ran basically the same in accuracy after many many repeats... so she saidsd it was a good cuff. I had a cheapie but it was not accurate.. way off. so I paid a couple hndred dollars to get a good one... it works good.

Now I do believe they do it on the left arm because it is the heart side and a more accurat read.
 i haven't noticed a difference at all from one side or the other.. I beleive that it may depend on arteries, I am not sure, and yes that feeling and pressure release bothers me.. it is kinda creepy to feel it beat so strong... I have periods where my heat races and I can feel it and hear it pounding! I don't like it either.

Thank Ewe Kareny Mam.

I am so sorry for the damage ewe have in your left arm.

The BP monitor I bought is no where near as expensive as yours but is sold by reputable pharmacy here in the UK and is made for them by a specialist manufacturer. It seems to work well.

I too exhibit those periods of rushing heart beats and when weighing myself I can even see the weight indicator move in tandem with my heart beat !

hey.. no worries  about my arm..  thats what I get for not taking better care of myself.... Its my own fault... but thanks Neily..

 a couple I know bout a f dollar one tha works great and is accurate.. they just did not have it when I went to buy one so I ended up with this one.. I needed it right away.. so I payed more for it....instead of ordering and waitin 4 to 6 weeks!
LOL!

 I am glad it works.. I think the only thing is to be consistant about which arm ou take it on and make sure it is elevated above your heart when you take it. least wise that was my doctors instructions.. hold still be quiet elevate and usdse same arm each time and take regular readings at the same time of day... and especially during an episode in my case!

My one clearly indicates that the cuff must be level with your heart to ensure you do not obtain reading that is too low (if the cuff is above the heart) or too high (if measurement is below the heart level !!

Perhaps there are different instructions for different BP Monitors !!

[neilep (OP)]

There is a leaflet in with my monitor that says to initially test on both arms - unless there are conditions affecting one that preclude it. Take  a note of the systolic (higher) reading number on both arms. The arm that gives the higher systolic reading should be the arm used in future.

I always thought that age had bearing on the systolic reading, and that something like 120/70 to 80 would therfore be about the norm for a 20 yr old, but I'm not sure, either, and not medically trained.

That is interesting.It seems that there is conflicting advice about location of the cuff !.

I am sure you are right that with youth, comes a lower BP reading !

.....remember though, my quote is talking about the UPPER regions of what is considered normal...so 120/70 seems quite plausible what ever age you are!..........Would be good to get an authoritative answer on this.

[RD]

Simultaneous Measurements of Blood Pressures in Right and Left Brachial Arteries.

Review Article

Cardiology in Review. 12(5):276-278, September/October 2004.
Mendelson, Gad MD *; Nassimiha, Doron MD *; Aronow, Wilbert S. MD +
Abstract:
The most recent guidelines do not mention which arm to use to measure blood pressure or interarm blood pressure differences. In 357 women and 171 men, mean age 79 +/- 10 years, 2 geriatricians simultaneously measured brachial artery blood pressure (BABP) with the patient in the sitting position. All blood pressure measurements were performed using the same 2 machines, which were calibrated and marked 1 and 2. The machines and cuffs were transferred to the opposite arm for a repeat measurement in all patients and the results of the 2 blood pressures averaged. Patients with conditions that may cause a disparity in blood pressure between the right and left arms were not included in this study. The right systolic BABP was >=10 mm Hg higher than the left systolic BABP in 35 of 528 patients (7%), and the left systolic BABP was >=10 mm Hg higher than the right systolic BABP in 35 of 528 patients (7%) (P = not significant). The right diastolic BABP was >=10 mm Hg higher than the left diastolic BABP in 16 of 528 patients (3%), and the left diastolic BABP was >=10 mm Hg higher than the right diastolic BABP in 12 of 528 patients (2%) (P = not significant). There was no significant difference in prevalence of hypertension, atherosclerotic vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, or hypercholesterolemia in patients with or without a >=10-mm Hg difference in right and left systolic BABP and in right and left diastolic BABP. Interarm differences of >=10 mm Hg in systolic BABP were found in 14% of elderly patients and of >=10 mm Hg in diastolic BABP in 5% of elderly patients. The higher blood pressure should be used for the diagnosis of hypertension, and the blood pressure in that arm used for all follow-up blood pressure-evaluating therapy.

http://www.cardiologyinreview.com/pt/re/cardiorev/abstract.00045415-200409000-00006.htm;jsessionid=LXQTpR1X6zdJ1LWW3yB470JLSnSvZ5SJMSF2Q4hlL2gQgB0XzylQ!-1179726830!181195629!8091!-1

[Karen W.]

my blood pressure is alwaya taken on the right due to my left arm damage.. very painful on the left. I bought my cuf BP monitor  and took it to the doctor where we checked it with the BP monitor there and they ran basically the same in accuracy after many many repeats... so she saidsd it was a good cuff. I had a cheapie but it was not accurate.. way off. so I paid a couple hndred dollars to get a good one... it works good.

Now I do believe they do it on the left arm because it is the heart side and a more accurat read.
 i haven't noticed a difference at all from one side or the other.. I beleive that it may depend on arteries, I am not sure, and yes that feeling and pressure release bothers me.. it is kinda creepy to feel it beat so strong... I have periods where my heat races and I can feel it and hear it pounding! I don't like it either.

Thank Ewe Kareny Mam.

I am so sorry for the damage ewe have in your left arm.

The BP monitor I bought is no where near as expensive as yours but is sold by reputable pharmacy here in the UK and is made for them by a specialist manufacturer. It seems to work well.

I too exhibit those periods of rushing heart beats and when weighing myself I can even see the weight indicator move in tandem with my heart beat !

hey.. no worries  about my arm..  thats what I get for not taking better care of myself.... Its my own fault... but thanks Neily..

 a couple I know bout a f dollar one tha works great and is accurate.. they just did not have it when I went to buy one so I ended up with this one.. I needed it right away.. so I payed more for it....instead of ordering and waitin 4 to 6 weeks!
LOL!

 I am glad it works.. I think the only thing is to be consistant about which arm ou take it on and make sure it is elevated above your heart when you take it. least wise that was my doctors instructions.. hold still be quiet elevate and usdse same arm each time and take regular readings at the same time of day... and especially during an episode in my case!

My one clearly indicates that the cuff must be level with your heart to ensure you do not obtain reading that is too low (if the cuff is above the heart) or too high (if measurement is below the heart level !!

Perhaps there are different instructions for different BP Monitors !!

Hey Neil My BP book states heart level also.. So the doctor has her own ideas about the elevation.LOL..

[that mad man]

I must admit to asking the doctor this a while ago.

She said it could be either arm and did not matter as it was just a matter of convenience, the same also applies when taking blood.

The main importance seems to be when it is taken as you should have been seated for several minutes beforehand, it should never be taken after any exercise. That way if you are then asked to stand up any drop in pressure can easily be noticed and compared.

Just a thought, placing the cuff on the upper arm automatically makes sure its level with the heart. The only way it can alter is if you have your arm raised in the air, which I would think very unlikely.