How much higher is normal for lower limb blood pressure compared to upper limb blood pressure?
Due to the special structure of the human body, the blood pressure of the lower limbs is always higher than that of the upper limbs, generally ranging from 10 mmHg to 20 mmHg. Once the blood pressure value exceeds this range, it is not a normal phenomenon and may indicate the presence of certain diseases in the body, requiring hospital examination and treatment. Commonly, renal parenchymal diseases, endocrine system diseases, and aortic issues can all lead to abnormalities in blood pressure between the upper and lower limbs.
Under normal conditions, the blood pressure of the lower limbs is higher than that of the upper limbs, with a difference of about 10 to 20 mmHg, which is a normal physiological phenomenon. However, if the difference in blood pressure between the two upper limbs exceeds 20 mmHg, it is considered to be caused by pathological reasons.
1. Renal parenchymal diseases: Glomerulonephritis and pyelonephritis are the most common causes of secondary hypertension.
2. Renal artery stenosis: Renal artery sclerosis and congenital renal artery muscular fibrodysplasia.
3. Endocrine system diseases: Such as primary aldosteronism, Cushing's disease, and pheochromocytoma.
4. Aortic coarctation: Manifested as asymmetric blood pressure in both upper limbs, with blood pressure in both upper limbs higher than that in the lower limbs.
5. Pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome, hyperthyroidism, and paroxysmal sleep apnea syndrome are all common causes of secondary hypertension. The main treatment for secondary hypertension is to address the underlying cause, while the primary treatment for primary hypertension is medication.