Abstract

Background: Blood pressure (BP) measurement is routinely done and often, the values obtained from the left and right arms of patients differ. Difference between left and right arm BP relates to delayed diagnosis of hypertension. Failure of considering higher value for diagnosis results in the delayed institution of treatment.

Aim and Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the correlation of interarm difference (IAD) of BP with anthropometric parameters and mean arterial BP and its association with family history.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 300 healthy subjects in the age group of 18–60 years after approval of the ethical committee. Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and BP were measured after written informed consent.

Results: Data were analyzed using Pearson’s coefficient of correlation analysis and Chi-square test. About 51.91% of people showed large IAD (≥10 mmHg) with 38.03% of systolic IAD (SIAD) and 13.88 % of diastolic IAD (DIAD) χ2 = 39.892 with 3 degrees of freedom; P = 0.000). SIAD showed significant and positive correlation with weight (r = 0.205**; P = 0.000), BMI (r = 0.184**; P = 0.001), WC (r = 0.127*; P = 0.03), and left arm mean (LAM) arterial pressure (r = 0.278**; P = 0.000). On the other hand, DIAD showed significant and positive correlation only with LAM (r = 0.181**; P = 0.002) and right arm mean arterial pressure (r = 0.244**; P = 0.000).

Conclusion: Positive correlation of increased IAD in BP with adverse values of anthropometric parameters and mean arterial pressure was confirmed.

Key words: Interarm Difference; Blood Pressure; Delayed Diagnosis; Correlation