Getting an accurate blood pressure reading is an important part of staying healthy. High blood pressure is a major cause of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Usually, blood pressure is measured on the upper arm using a cuff.
But for some people, this is not possible. They may have lost a limb, have a disability, or have difficulty moving their arms after a stroke. For these individuals, doctors often take the reading from the ankle instead.
However, ankle readings are usually higher than those from the arm, which can make it hard to know if someone really has high blood pressure or not.
Now, researchers from the University of Exeter Medical School have found a better way to estimate arm blood pressure using ankle readings. Their method is more accurate than past attempts and could improve care for many people.
They studied data from over 33,000 people to build a special prediction tool that gives more precise results. They also created a free online calculator that helps doctors and patients use this new method. The tool is called the ABLE-BP calculator and can be found at https://ablebp.research.exeter.ac.uk/.
This new method was developed through a study called ABLE-BP and was published in BMJ Open. The research was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The goal was to help people who cannot have their blood pressure taken from the arm to still get a safe and reliable reading.
Professor Chris Clark, who led the study, said that even a small increase in accuracy can have a big effect. About one-third of adults have high blood pressure, and that number goes up to over half of adults aged 60 and older.
The NHS in England diagnoses 38,000 new cases of high blood pressure every year. The improved method could reduce the number of incorrect diagnoses by about 750 people each year in England alone, and many more around the world.
The study included 33,710 participants from different countries. The team used computer models to understand how ankle and arm blood pressure readings are related.
They also looked at how these measurements connect to the risk of having heart problems. Their findings will help doctors get a clearer picture of a person’s health even when they can’t use a regular arm cuff.
This development is especially helpful for people with disabilities or who have had strokes. In the UK, up to 10,000 adults live with upper limb loss. Around 75% of stroke survivors also have arm weakness, making arm measurements difficult or impossible.
Organizations like the Stroke Association and the Thalidomide Trust supported the project because they know how important it is to have tools that include everyone.
Juliet Bouverie, CEO of the Stroke Association, explained that many stroke survivors worry about having another stroke. Not being able to get accurate blood pressure readings adds to that stress. This new method could give them peace of mind and help prevent future strokes.
Sue Kent, a TV presenter who was born with an upper limb disability, shared her experience. She said doctors used to try taking her blood pressure using a thigh cuff or from her ankle, but the results were often unclear.
After one high ankle reading, she became worried about her health and even paid privately to get checked further. She hopes the new tool will help others like her feel more confident about their health.
Sue said, “Why should I not be able to have my blood pressure taken when it’s available to most people and is a relatively simple thing to do?” She believes this new method could help level the playing field for people with disabilities and give them the same health protections as everyone else.
This breakthrough shows how small improvements in medical tools can make a big difference. With better technology and more inclusive research, more people can get the care they need to live longer and healthier lives.
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The study is published in BMJ Open.
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