Have you found that your blood pressure is different between your right and left arms? Even when it’s taken within minutes of each other? If you have, it could indicate a problem.
It is normal for our blood pressure reading to be different between each arm, but just a little. A difference of a few points (or mm Hg, to be technical) between readings is nothing to worry about.
But, when the difference between blood pressure readings is greater than 10 points, this may indicate a problem. A 10 point difference could indicate an artery clogging plaque. A difference of more than 20 points could indicate a blockage and is a signal that peripheral artery disease (PAD) could be present.
If you have found more than a 10 point difference in the blood pressure readings in your right and left arms, it’s a good time to discuss it with your primary care physician. People with obesity have a higher risk of high blood pressure or hypertension, so routine blood pressure monitoring is encouraged for gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and lap band patients. If you don’t have a blood pressure cuff at home and you haven’t had it checked by your doctor lately, you can usually get your blood pressure checked for free at your local pharmacy store.
If you have high blood pressure and obesity, it’s a good idea to monitor your blood pressure and follow the advice of your doctor regarding diet, exercise, and medications. Often times as gastric sleeve patients experience weight loss following their bariatric surgery, their blood pressure drops. Many of Dr. Shillingford’s gastric sleeve patients have been able to reduce or discontinue their blood pressure medications after their gastric sleeve surgery, diet changes, and by incorporating an exercise regime into their post bariatric surgery lifestyle.
For more information on if gastric sleeve surgery is right for you, call Dr. Shillingford’s office at (561) 483-8840 to attend a free informational session. Dr. Shillingford, MD, PA, is a board certified surgeon specializing in advanced laparoscopic and obesity surgery. His gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and lap band patients receive specialized care during their stay at Northwest Medical Center’s Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery, where Dr. Shillingford proudly serves as Medical Director. Follow up care is provided in his Boca Raton office, which is conveniently located for patients who live in the surrounding Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach areas.
