Heart Disease Community

Hi:

....."they say, it's normal to have like that."

It doesn't sound "normal", though a problem like not getting a BP reading has been reported before (**See Healthboards poster excerpt below), and besides usually, but not always, there is only a small difference between blood pressure (BP, systolic and diastolic) readings in both arms.

Plus, there was a study, in which University of Virginia researchers tested 100 individuals two times, once while they perched on a doctor's table, feet dangling, and then again as they sat in a chair with both feet resting on the floor and their back and arms supported.

Systolic BP, the top number, dropped by 13 points on average while sitting in the chair. Why's this? According to study author Melly Turner, RN, if your arm, back, and legs are not supported, then you're exerting energy while being tested.

The prestigious American Heart Association has been recommending the chair method, but harried medical staff often don't employ it. Sit quietly in a proper chair for 5 minutes before having the BP checked, and be sure the arm being used rests on a flat surface.

"When they try to get blood from left hand, nothing!!(most of the time)".

That seems odd, even with the particular medical conditions you have.

Most important, communicate/interact well with your doctor(s) at ALL times.

Best of luck down the road of life.

Take care,

CardioStar*

(WebMD member since 8.99)




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**Healthboards forum archives


04-05-2004, 12:41 PM

kdcole

Question: No blood pressure in left arm?

I went to the doctor and it took two nurses and 7 tries to get a reading in my left arm. This had never happened before.......

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Patient resources

Family Doctor

Blood Pressure Monitoring at Home

http://familydoctor.org/128.xml

Mayo Clinic

Get the most out of home blood pressure monitoring

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-pressure/HI00016

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Quote!

"Be a questioning patient. Talk to your doctor and ask questions. Studies show that patients who ask the most questions, and are most assertive, get the best results. Be vigilant and speak up!"

- Charles Inlander, People's Medical Society





It's your future......be there.


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WebMD/WebMD forums does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Thanks for the reply.So, you think I should talk to doctor about these two?

Thanks again!

You're welcome.

Of course you should talk to your doctor (even if it turns out being only to get some peace of mind in the matter). Sometimes a simple phone call (ring ring) is all it takes.

CardioStar*



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It's your future......be there.

.

WebMD/WebMD forums does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

You're welcome.

Of course you should talk to your doctor (even if it would turn out being only to get some peace of mind in the matter). Sometimes a simple phone call (ring ring) is all it takes.

CardioStar*



-

-

It's your future......be there.

.

WebMD/WebMD forums does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

thanks! I talked to the nurse and she says, in Jan it was normal (that's when they diagnosed me with Raynaud's) and next time when I go to a Doctor be sure to talk about it!!!