Comparison of Different Methods of Blood Pressure Measurements from the Arm and the Ankle in Young and Elderly People: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we aimed to compare different methods of measuring blood pressure devices and to investigate the inter-arm and inter-leg difference (IAD and ILD), the ankle brachial index, and variables that affect them in young and elderly participants. Methods: This study was conducted in Turkey with 150 students studying at a university and 150 individuals aged over 60, a total of 300 participants. Data regarding the measurements of arm and ankle blood pressures using an automated oscillometric device and an aneroid sphygmomanometer were collected between December 2019 and January 2020 by the researchers. Results: There was a correlation between the right arm systolic blood pressure and the variable of bodyweight, and measurements made by automatic oscillometry were higher than those made using an aneroid manometer. A large IAD of ≥ 10 mmHg was found in 22.7% of the participants, and large ILD was found in 30%. Mean IAD was associated with bodyweight and body mass index. ILD was greater in men than in women and in older individuals compared with those in younger participants. In addition, low ankle brachial index values of ≤ 0.9 were found in 2.3% of the participants. Conclusion:The present data show the results of a comparison of blood pressure measurements in young and old individuals made using different devices and parts of the body. We believe that the findings will create awareness in the researchers and health personnel regarding comparison of IAD and ILD and ankle brachial index in these individuals.