What should be done if the systolic blood pressure in the left arm is 30 mmHg lower than that of the right arm?

If there is a significant difference in systolic blood pressure between the arms, specifically a difference of 30 mmHg or more, it is essential to notify the healthcare provider. This discrepancy can indicate several potential health issues, including vascular problems or conditions such as aortic dissection or peripheral artery disease.

The presence of a notable variation may suggest that there is inadequate blood flow to one arm or that there are other underlying cardiovascular concerns that require further evaluation and intervention. Health professionals use bilateral blood pressure measurements to assess for these potential complications. Therefore, reporting this finding to a healthcare provider ensures that appropriate diagnostic steps can be taken, and corrective measures can be implemented if necessary.

In contrast, taking actions such as encouraging the patient to walk, ignoring the reading, or reassuring them without further investigation could lead to missed diagnoses and deterioration of the patient’s health.