Ankle Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Health
Leg blood pressure measured at the ankle is critical in detecting early signs of serious health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Emergency Medicine Specialist Dr. Ayşegül İşlek Yüksel emphasizes that leg blood pressure should be measured regularly once a week. While leg blood pressure is expected to be 1 or 2 units higher than arm blood pressure in the same direction, much higher results may indicate vascular occlusion that can lead to a heart attack or vascular calcification, which is common in diabetes.
Vascular Occlusion and Peripheral Artery Disease
If the leg blood pressure is lower than normal, it may indicate peripheral artery disease. This can lead to serious problems such as heart attack or stroke. Dr. Yüksel states that high blood pressure differences between the right and left arms can be a symptom of fatal diseases such as aortic rupture. Therefore, it is very important to measure from both arms when checking blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Difference Between Two Arms
Dr. Yüksel emphasizes that the difference in blood pressure between the right and left arms should not exceed 20 percent. For example, if the blood pressure measured as 12 to 7 in the right arm is 8 to 5 in the left arm, such a high difference increases the possibility of vascular rupture. Therefore, taking measurements from both arms is a critical requirement for health.
The Importance of Leg Blood Pressure
In addition to the difference in blood pressure between the right and left arm, the importance of measuring blood pressure from the 'ankle', that is, the leg, is also great. Blood pressure measurement from the leg gives signs of some heart diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to measure leg blood pressure at least once a week. To do this, it is sufficient to attach the blood pressure monitor connected from the arm to the ankle. In order for the blood pressure to reach the heart in a balanced manner, the leg blood pressure is expected to be 1-2 units higher than the arm.
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Measurement
The arm-leg blood pressure ratio is determined by a measurement system called the 'Ankle-Brachial Index' or ABI index. In this measurement, the leg blood pressure on the side we measure is divided by the blood pressure measured in the arm on the same side. If the result is lower than 0,9, vascular occlusion and cardiovascular diseases should be considered. If the result is higher than 1,5 times, then diabetes or atherosclerotic diseases come to mind.
Things to Consider When Measuring Blood Pressure
- Measurements should be taken in a resting position with the feet touching the ground.
- Automatic blood pressure devices should be used, and measurement from the arm should be preferred.
- Blood pressure should be measured from both arms and the values obtained should be compared.
High and Low Blood Pressure Results
When blood pressure is high when measured in the arm, classic hypertension should be considered. If the leg blood pressure is low, such as 12, when the arm blood pressure is 9, this indicates arterial occlusion or peripheral arterial disease. On the other hand, if the leg blood pressure is 18-20 units higher than the arm blood pressure, this may be a sign of a health problem.
Diabetes and Vascular Health
Diabetes is a significant factor that negatively affects vascular health. High leg blood pressure is a common condition in individuals with diabetes. Therefore, it is vital that diabetics regularly measure their leg blood pressure and follow the results. High leg blood pressure can be an indicator of vascular calcification in the body, which can lead to more serious health problems over time.
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Leg blood pressure measured at the ankle is an important indicator of cardiovascular health. Regular measurement makes it possible to diagnose potential health problems early. It is critical for both diabetic patients and healthy individuals to monitor their leg blood pressure in terms of their overall health. It should not be forgotten that blood pressure measurement is not only a health check, but also an important step taken to protect health.
