Key result
Ankle systolic blood pressure was 17.0 mmHg higher than arm blood pressure in the general population (95% CI 15.4-21.3), suggesting a diagnostic threshold of 155/90 mmHg for hypertension.
Why the study?
The relationship between arm and leg blood pressure was not defined to inform the interpretation of leg readings when arm readings are unavailable.
Does leg blood pressure measurement differ from arm blood pressure measurement in the supine position?
Meta-Analysis (n=9,771)
Does leg blood pressure measurement differ from arm blood pressure measurement in the supine position?
Effect estimate: Mean difference 17.0 mmHg (95% CI 15.4-21.3)
Ankle systolic blood pressure is approximately 17 mmHg higher than arm systolic blood pressure in the general population, suggesting a diagnostic threshold of 155/90 mmHg for hypertension when only ankle measurements are available.
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Supports 155/90 mmHg ankle hypertension threshold in supine patients; extends pooled SBP difference estimates to general populations.
Sheppard et al. (2018) conducted a meta-analysis in Hypertension (n=9,771). Ankle blood pressure measurement vs. Arm blood pressure measurement was evaluated on Difference between arm and leg blood pressure (Mean difference 17.0 mmHg, 95% CI 15.4-21.3). Ankle systolic blood pressure was 17.0 mmHg higher than arm blood pressure in the general population (95% CI 15.4-21.3), suggesting a diagnostic threshold of 155/90 mmHg for hypertension.
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