Comparison of arterial elasticity measured in left and right arms using the HDI/Pulsewave CR-2000 Research System

BACKGROUND: Arterial elasticity is implicated as a risk factor for or a marker of cardiovascular disease. Current advances in non-invasive devices have now made it possible to measure arterial elasticity in an ambulatory setting. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in blood pressure and arterial elasticity measured in the right and the left arms. METHODS: Simultaneous measurements were performed with two HDI/Pulsewave CR-2000 Research CardioVascular Profiling Systems. The manufacturer recommends placing the blood pressure cuff on the left upper arm and the sensor on the skin overlying the right radial artery. We followed the manufacturer's recommendations and also placed both the cuff and the sensor on the same arm. Simultaneous measurements were made on both arms with both machines. The average of three measurements was used for each combination. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and large-artery and small-artery elasticity indices, were determined for each subject and used in the analysis. RESULTS: The subjects were 11 males and 9 females between 22 and 46 (33.5 +/- 7.4 years) years of age. There was no significant difference in the average difference for each test combination. CONCLUSION: Thus, when using the HDI/Pulsewave CR-2000 Research CardioVascular Profiling System, the blood pressure cuff and the sensor can be placed on either the same arm or opposite arms.