Variation in four limb blood pressure and central aortic pressure: An observational study on North Indian semi-urban males

Abstract

Background: Measurement of ankle pressure along with measurement of both arm blood pressure (BP) can be helpful to for calculation of ankle-brachial index (ABI) and detection of early peripheral diseases among the patients. Non-invasive measurement of central aortic pressures is possible as considered as better marker for central hemodynamic situation. Studies on normal subjects are scant. Aim and Objectives: The present study was conducted to evaluate the difference of BP in four limbs obtained from simultaneous recording and evaluate the association with central aortic BP components and peripheral BP components in normal Indian healthy male subjects. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Physiology of Mayo Institute of Medical Sciences, Barabanki, with 25 healthy clinically normal subjects. Four limb BP was recorded and ABI and central aortic pressures were estimated using periscope arterial health and cardiovascular analysis system. Results: Ankle systolic BP (SBP) was significantly high for both sides. Inter-ankle mean arterial pressure difference found to be significantly associated with ABI. Central aortic systolic pressure was found to be lower than the peripheral SBP. Conclusion: Ankle BP measurement to be considered for early detection of peripheral arterial disease and should be performed routinely in hypertension clinics. Central aortic pressure gives a better picture for identifying the hypertensive state of the body.