Posted , 4 users are following.
For several years doctors haven't been able to get blood pressure reading in my left arm so they take in only in the right arm. What could be the reason for this and is it dangerous. The excuse I'm given is that the equipment isn't working right today. That is not good enough for me. Advice please.
0 likes, 3 replies
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kathy219 sabella
Posted
Hi!
I have afib and everytime my doctors try to get a reading they have to make several attempts.
That is the reason I have been given.
However, not sure if that is your case...
Kathy
nathan72802 sabella
Posted
Can you feel a pulse in your left arm at the elbow? If you look at both arms do they look the same? What do they look like color wise? Does the left arm/hand feel cold? There could be a circulation problem there which is just enough to make it difficult to get your BP there. If it were a really serious problem you would probably know it by now. The other thing is see if you can get more info from your doctor and based on that consider the possibility of seeing a vascular specialist. If nothing else just to ease your mind. Actually I would either go to another doctor, or a specialist for more evaluation. If the equipment isn't working, you wouldn't get a BP in one arm and not in the other.
sabella nathan72802
Posted
Hi Nathan, Thank you for all the suggestions. Since I posted my question my doctors including a vascular specialist, still can't get a pulse in the left arm, and once in a while I feel pain when i forget to take 7 Mg Prednisone an 20 mg Simvastatin, the latter which gave me such horrible pain in the entire arm, that I couldn't even reach down to put my seatbelt on - until the rheumatologist added the Prednisone.
The color is the same on both arms, and I can't find a pulse in the elbow area like you suggested I have seen 5 different specialists including an orthopedic surgeon, the vascular specialist and several other. I'll remember to ask for BP next time I go to any doctor.
My left arm used to get VERY cold at times, usually at night. I have always slept on my left side and it was very difficult to find a place to put my arm where it wouldn't hurt. With the Simvastatin and Prednisone and a blood thinner, the pain in pretty much gone.
Thank you for reminding me that if a BP can found on one arm, it means the equipment is working just fine, I appreciate all your thoughts.
Thank you very much, Joann