A large international study led by researchers at the University of Exeter has found that blood pressure should be measured in both arms—not just one—to get a more accurate diagnosis and better manage high blood pressure. This simple change could help identify millions more people who are at risk of heart disease and stroke.
The researchers looked at data from over 53,000 adults across 23 studies worldwide. They wanted to know what difference it makes when doctors use the higher blood pressure reading from one arm versus the lower reading from the other. Their results were clear: using the higher number makes a big difference.
They found that if only the lower arm reading is used, about 12% of people would wrongly appear to have normal blood pressure when, in fact, they have high blood pressure. In real numbers, that’s over 6,500 people in their study group who would have gone undiagnosed if doctors had not used the higher reading.
Many of these people had readings that were just below the commonly used limits for diagnosing high blood pressure, like 130 or 140 mm Hg for the top number (systolic pressure). That means a lot of people who need treatment may not be getting it.
Currently, some international guidelines already suggest checking blood pressure in both arms, but this is not something most clinics or hospitals do. In daily practice, most health workers check just one arm—often whichever one is most convenient or has been used in the past.
One of the main reasons both arms should be checked is that it’s impossible to know which arm will give the higher reading. Some people have higher pressure in their right arm, others in their left, and there’s no way to guess in advance. If only one arm is measured, there’s a real risk of missing a diagnosis.
Even more importantly, the study found that blood pressure readings from the higher arm were better at predicting serious health problems, such as death from heart disease, all types of heart events, and even early death in general. This shows that the higher reading gives a more accurate picture of someone’s health risk.
Failing to take readings from both arms, the researchers say, doesn’t just lead to underdiagnosis and undertreatment—it also means doctors may underestimate a patient’s risk for heart attacks and other heart-related problems. This could delay treatment that might prevent future health complications or even save lives.
The lead author of the study, Dr. Christopher Clark, emphasized that checking both arms should become a regular part of how blood pressure is assessed. It’s a simple and quick step that could make a big difference in identifying and treating high blood pressure early.
High blood pressure is one of the most common health conditions worldwide and a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. Treating it early can greatly lower the risk of these serious diseases. That’s why accurate measurement is so important.
The findings of this research were published in the journal Hypertension, and they serve as a strong reminder that small changes in medical practice—like checking both arms—can lead to big improvements in health outcomes.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and natural coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
For more health information, please see recent studies about added sugar in your diet linked to higher blood pressure, and results showing vitamin D could improve blood pressure in people with diabetes.
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