Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Sunday, June 08, 2008 Linda Bosecker asks

Q: What causes the ankle pressure to be high and arm pressure normal

I have leg pain but not in my calves. I have lots of pressure point pain mostly down the inside and outside of legs. When walking my legs hurt to the point it is a struggle to walk. My husband can tell if my legs are starting to hurt my the change in my walk. 

My pressure at right ankle is 160/105, left ankle 171/101(heart rate 69-72).

Right arm pressure 104/67 , left arm 112/65 with heart rate is 69-70 

Pressure was taken with an automatic blood pressure monitor,at rest.

I do not take medication.

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6/26/08 2:45pm

The symptoms you are describing may be caused by poor circulation in your legs, called peripheral vascular disease (PVD).  One of the main tests to diagnose PVD is the ankle brachial index that compares the blood pressure in the legs to the arm.   An index < 1 is concerning for PVD, however if there is severe disease and “stiff” blood vessels in the leg, the ratio may be > 1.3, as in your case.  Go see a vascular surgeon to discuss these issues.

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