Why would blood preasure be drastically different on the left arm than on the right arm?

Question

my right arm was 151/101 & my left arm was 135/84, it was like that all weekend.

Answer 1

Significant differences in blood pressure between the RUE and the LUE (left upper extremity) may be due to a condition called coarctation of the aorta - which is a condition you have had your entire life. If this difference in blood pressure between the RUE and the LUE is new (other than something you just didn't notice before), there are several other things that come to mind - without more medical history, I would just be purely guessing.

Regardless it is worthwhile to have this finding further evaluated, even if you have no known symptoms. Discuss it first with your primary doctor who can verify the differences and order tests and/or provide a referral to the appropriate specialist if he/she feels it is warranted.

Good luck.

Answer 2

All the answers you've had are right to an extent. Generally, there should not be more than 10mm sa far as I can recall. Since in your case it was a 15 mm difference, I don't think you have anything serious. As people suggested, there are many diseases where there is significant differnce.
Generally, we use the right hand more. There is greater muscle mass, so BP in right is greater but, no one knows the precise reason.
When in doubt, get checked with a doctor. Thats the safest thing to do. A lot depends on your age, other risk factors, symptoms and so on.

Answer 3

Because most of your major blood vessels are onto the left side of your body so the travelling time for them from the heart is less whereas its the otherway round on your right side

Answer 4

I always check the right arm. Difference in arms could be a sign of something wrong with the aorta. Check with your doctor.

http://www.the-doctors-inn.com/blood%20pressure.htm
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3027042

Answer 5

Because your left arm is closer to your heart, it doesn't have to travel as far.
That's not really that much of a difference though.

Answer 6

We look for differences in BP in aneurysms of the aorta. I am not sure the difference here qualifies. Get a chest x-ray. You do not have Marfan's syndrome do you?

Answer 7

YOUR RIGHT ARM IS HYPERTENSIVE. ITS NORMAL AS LONG AT IT DOES NOT AFFECT CENTRAL BLOOD PRESSURE . CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR.

Answer 8

muscle density.