There is no need to panic first. Even in healthy people, it is absolutely normal to make a slight difference between the BP of both hands. Usually the difference between 10 mmhg (millimeter of mercury) is considered to be absolutely fine. That is, if there is 122/78 in one hand and 128/80 in the other, then there is no need to take tension.

If the difference of more than 10–15 mmhg in the BP of both hands is coming again and again, especially in the upper number (systolic), do not take it lightly. If this happens, a checkup with a doctor is necessary. Constant differences can sometimes be a sign of diseases related to blood vessel.

One reason can be peripheral artery disease. It contains blockage in the artery of one hand, which affects blood flow and BP reading. Second, a very rare but serious reason is aortic dissection. That is, a sudden crack in the big artery coming out of the heart. It is an emergency and symptoms like sharp chest pain also come with it.

Recently, neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar told in a video that if there is a difference of 10 mmhg in systolic BP and 5 mmhg in diastolic, then it is normal. If there is a difference of more than 15 mmhg, then it can be a sign of vesicular disease and a doctor should be seen.

According to medical guidelines, BP of new patients or high heart risk is measured in both hands. If BP comes more continuously in one hand, then the reading of the same hand is considered as standard, so that the results are the same.

If you have a BP machine, then you can check both hands at home. For this, sit quiet for 5 minutes, first take BP in one hand, then stop for a minute and measure in the second hand. Note your readings and if the difference is coming more than 10–15 mmhg again and again, then see the doctor.

It is normal to have a little difference, but a continuous big difference may be alarm of your body. BP of both hands sometimes measuring is an easy and fast way to keep an eye on your blood circulation health. Next time the doctor changes his hand and takes BP, then understand. This is just part of the checkup, not to erase boredom.