When measuring blood pressure in a healthy adult, how much difference can be expected between arms?

When measuring blood pressure in a healthy adult, it is expected that pressures should not differ more than 5 mmHg between arms. This standard is based on physiological norms, where a small difference is generally deemed acceptable due to variations in arterial anatomy or slight differences in the positioning of the arms during measurement. If a difference greater than 5 mmHg is observed consistently, it may warrant further investigation to rule out underlying cardiovascular concerns. Clinicians typically consider this acceptable range to ensure that any readings from either arm can be reliably used for diagnosis and treatment purposes.

The significance of adhering to this 5 mmHg guideline lies in its implications for patient assessment and management. If discrepancies exceed this threshold, it could indicate issues such as vascular disease or arterial blockages, further reinforcing the importance of accurate and uniform blood pressure measurements.