Menu
21/03/2012
Early Death Risk Higher When Blood Pressure Differences
A large difference in blood pressure in each arm suggests a bigger risk of dying early, researchers claim.
In a study of 230 it was found the risk of early heart attack and stroke was found to be higher in blood pressure patients with big differences in systolic pressure.
The British Heart Foundation have said more heart health checks may be needed for those with different readings.
It has also been found that not all medics follow national guidance to measure blood pressure in both arms.
Dr Christopher Clark from the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Exeter, who led the study, published in the British Medical Journal, said the message to doctors was simple.
"Sorry guys, but you really need to follow the guidelines by measuring both arms when you're assessing blood pressure," he told the BBC.
He also said that patients monitoring their own blood pressure at home should follow the same guidelines.
"If they are being treated on the basis of their blood pressure, it's important to know if there's a difference between arms so they know their treatment is based on the correct measurements in the future."
People with different readings in each arm may have peripheral vascular disease, which often shows no symptoms.
Stopping smoking, or medication to lower blood pressure or cholesterol, may help reduce the risk of heart problems or stroke in these patients.
In a study of 230 it was found the risk of early heart attack and stroke was found to be higher in blood pressure patients with big differences in systolic pressure.
The British Heart Foundation have said more heart health checks may be needed for those with different readings.
It has also been found that not all medics follow national guidance to measure blood pressure in both arms.
Dr Christopher Clark from the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Exeter, who led the study, published in the British Medical Journal, said the message to doctors was simple.
"Sorry guys, but you really need to follow the guidelines by measuring both arms when you're assessing blood pressure," he told the BBC.
He also said that patients monitoring their own blood pressure at home should follow the same guidelines.
"If they are being treated on the basis of their blood pressure, it's important to know if there's a difference between arms so they know their treatment is based on the correct measurements in the future."
People with different readings in each arm may have peripheral vascular disease, which often shows no symptoms.
Stopping smoking, or medication to lower blood pressure or cholesterol, may help reduce the risk of heart problems or stroke in these patients.
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 January 2011
Blood Pressure Performance Pay Has No Impact
Targets set for GPs to improve the care of patients with high blood pressure have had no impact, according to a new study published on bmj.com.
Blood Pressure Performance Pay Has No Impact
Targets set for GPs to improve the care of patients with high blood pressure have had no impact, according to a new study published on bmj.com.
24 May 2005
Breastfeeding benefits blood pressure
Breastfeeding is as good for children’s blood pressure as exercise and reducing salt intake, new research has claimed. Scientists at Bristol University, led by Dr Debbie Lawlor, researched the impact of breastfeeding on elements of the metabolic syndrome in over 2,000 randomly chosen children, aged between 9 and 15, from Denmark and Estonia.
Breastfeeding benefits blood pressure
Breastfeeding is as good for children’s blood pressure as exercise and reducing salt intake, new research has claimed. Scientists at Bristol University, led by Dr Debbie Lawlor, researched the impact of breastfeeding on elements of the metabolic syndrome in over 2,000 randomly chosen children, aged between 9 and 15, from Denmark and Estonia.
30 January 2013
Marathon Runner Had Banned Stimulant In Her Waterbottle
A 30-year-old woman who died while running last year’s London marathon had the now-banned stimulant, Jack3d, in her waterbottle. An inquest into the death of Claire Squires heard from her boyfriend of three years, who said: "Claire was always in the gym and this stuff was being widely talked about there.
Marathon Runner Had Banned Stimulant In Her Waterbottle
A 30-year-old woman who died while running last year’s London marathon had the now-banned stimulant, Jack3d, in her waterbottle. An inquest into the death of Claire Squires heard from her boyfriend of three years, who said: "Claire was always in the gym and this stuff was being widely talked about there.
20 February 2007
Reform recommended for UK drug pricing scheme
The NHS needs to reform its system for purchasing medicines in order to deliver better value for money, the Office of Fair Trading has said. The OFT also said that the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme should be reformed in order to focus business investment on drugs that have the greatest benefits for patients.
Reform recommended for UK drug pricing scheme
The NHS needs to reform its system for purchasing medicines in order to deliver better value for money, the Office of Fair Trading has said. The OFT also said that the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme should be reformed in order to focus business investment on drugs that have the greatest benefits for patients.
14 January 2005
Scientists predict high blood pressure will affect billions
One in three adults over 20 will suffer from high blood pressure by 2025, public health researchers have predicted. This means 1.56 billion people worldwide would eventually be affected by the condition.
Scientists predict high blood pressure will affect billions
One in three adults over 20 will suffer from high blood pressure by 2025, public health researchers have predicted. This means 1.56 billion people worldwide would eventually be affected by the condition.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with a little light rain or drizzle at times, but some spells of drier weather too. The north coast may become somewhat brighter later this afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
