PREVALENCE OF RAISED INTER-ARM BP DIFFERENCE IN YOUNG HEALTHY ADULTS –A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Inter-arm difference (IAD) in blood pressure (BP) has been observed in various general populations and in individuals with increased risk of cardio vascular disease and peripheral vascular disease. The prevalence of raised IAD in BP in young healthy adults has not been well addressed in most prior studies.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of raised IAD in BP in young healthy adults, to find the gender difference in mean IAD and mean arterial BP, to find the difference in mean arterial BP according to the presence of IAD in BP.

Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 284 medical students. BP was measured twice in each arm, using an automatic device that was calibrated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and the values were averaged. IAD in BP is defined as difference between average BP in right arm and average BP in left arm.

Results: Prevalence of raised IAD in BP in the study group was 16.5% (47). None had IAD in BP ≥ 20 mm of Hg. Mean systolic IAD in BP was 5.915(±3.81) mm of Hg and mean diastolic IAD in BP was 3.18 (±2.44) mm of Hg. The mean values of systolic and diastolic IAD in BP were almost similar in males and females , but the mean values of mean arterial BP in both arms were significantly different (P<0.05) in males and females. Mean values of Mean arterial BP in both arms were higher in those with raised IAD in BP and this was statistically significant (P<0.05).

Interpretation & conclusion: Significant IAD in blood pressure (≥ 10 mm of Hg) is common in young healthy adults. The clinical significance of raised IAD in BP in young healthy adults requires long term follow up.