Innovative Blood Pressure Measurement Method Offers Hope for Patients with Limited Arm Access

A groundbreaking approach to measuring blood pressure at the ankle promises to significantly improve diagnostic accuracy for individuals who cannot have their arm blood pressure measured. Developed by researchers at the University of Exeter Medical School, this new method enhances the precision of interpreting ankle blood pressure readings, which are often higher than arm measurements.

The study, published in BMJ Open, analyzed data from over 33,000 participants worldwide, aiming to develop a personalized predictive model that estimates arm blood pressure from ankle readings more reliably than previous techniques. To facilitate practical application, an online calculator has been launched to assist healthcare professionals and patients in interpreting these measurements effectively.

High blood pressure affects over one billion people globally and is a leading risk factor for heart, brain, and kidney diseases. Standard practice involves measuring blood pressure on the arm; however, for people with disabilities, limb loss, or conditions such as stroke, arm measurements may be impossible or unreliable.

Blood pressure readings taken at the ankle can be higher than arm readings, and current guidelines for diagnosis and management are based solely on arm measurements. This discrepancy can lead to misdiagnosis and under-treatment.

Led by Professor Chris Clark, the research highlights that the new method could improve diagnosis accuracy for about 2% more people. Although that may seem small, it translates to approximately 750 fewer misdiagnoses annually in England alone, and tens of thousands worldwide. The study utilized advanced statistical modeling to link arm and ankle blood pressures, enabling better predictions of health risks, such as heart attack likelihood based on ankle readings.

This innovation could also reduce healthcare disparities by providing precise measurements for individuals with upper limb disabilities. Currently, an estimated 10,000 adults in the UK have upper limb loss, and about 75% of stroke survivors experience upper limb dysfunction, making arm blood pressure measurement challenging.

Juliet Bouverie, CEO of the Stroke Association, emphasized the significance of this tool in stroke prevention and management, as high blood pressure is a major contributing factor. Similarly, Professor Kevin Munro noted that this solution supports broader detection and treatment of high blood pressure, especially for those who cannot undergo traditional arm measurements.

Overall, this research offers a promising pathway to improve cardiovascular health assessments globally, ensuring more accurate diagnoses and effective treatment strategies for vulnerable populations.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-blood-pressure-lifeline-thousands-people.html