Inter-arm and postural differences in blood pressure among healthy young adults

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was conducted on apparently healthy female (n=28) and male (n=34) young adults. Using identical pre-calibrated sphygmomanometers, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured in both arms sequentially in supine, sitting, squatting, and standing positions after allowing a gap of at least five minutes between measurements in each posture. The gender-wise differences in inter-arm difference of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were not significant. However, in both sexes, between squatting and standing positions, the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly higher. The present study draws attention to the shortcomings of taking a single blood pressure reading on only one arm. Inter-arm and postural differences in blood pressure may be suitable parameters to measure the status of the cardiovascular system. Measurement of blood pressure in the squatting position may be a potential tool for assessing regulation of blood pressure and for detecting latent hypertension.