New way of measuring blood pressure could be a lifeline for thousands of people

A new technique has been developed to enhance the accuracy of interpreting blood pressure measurements taken at the ankle, which could be particularly beneficial for individuals unable to undergo arm blood pressure measurements.

Recent research conducted by the University of Exeter Medical School, published in BMJ Open, utilized data from over 33,000 individuals to establish a personalized predictive model for more precise estimation of arm blood pressure from ankle readings, surpassing previous methodologies.

The team has introduced an online calculator for healthcare professionals and patients to effectively interpret these readings.

High blood pressure affects more than one billion people worldwide, heightening the risk of severe health conditions such as heart, brain, and kidney diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to measure and interpret blood pressure readings with utmost accuracy. In cases where arm blood pressure measurement is not feasible due to disabilities, missing limbs, or conditions like stroke, ankle blood pressure measurement can be an alternative. However, ankle readings tend to be higher than arm values, leading to challenges in accurate estimation based on ankle measurements and potential misdiagnoses due to the reliance on standard guidelines for arm readings only.

Professor Chris Clark from the University of Exeter Medical School, who spearheaded the study, stated, “Our new method will provide a more precise blood pressure reading for approximately two percent more individuals. While this may seem like a small percentage, it is important to note that around a third of adults have high blood pressure, and this percentage increases to over half in individuals over the age of 60.”

“The NHS Health Check Program identifies 38,000 new cases annually in England alone, so a two percent improvement equates to 750 fewer potential misdiagnoses per year in England and a significant number globally,” added Professor Clark.

Through statistical modeling of arm and ankle blood pressure data from 33,710 individuals worldwide (average age 58 years, 45% female), researchers aimed to describe the relationship between arm and ankle blood pressures, predict arm blood pressure using ankle readings, and forecast crucial health outcomes like the risk of heart attacks based on ankle blood pressure readings.

This research has the potential to address health disparities by offering accurate and personalized blood pressure measurements for individuals who previously could not obtain precise readings from their arm. For instance, there are an estimated 10,000 adults in the UK living with upper limb loss, and 75% of the country’s 1.3 million stroke survivors experience upper limb dysfunction, making arm blood pressure measurement challenging.

Juliet Bouverie OBE, CEO of the Stroke Association, emphasized the significance of accurate blood pressure readings in ankle for stroke survivors, stating, “Someone in the UK suffers a stroke every five minutes, with high blood pressure accounting for approximately half of these cases. Many stroke survivors feel anxious about the risk of another stroke, so obtaining accurate blood pressure readings from the ankle can not only aid in primary stroke prevention but also alleviate the anxiety of individuals coping with the aftermath of a stroke.”

Professor Kevin Munro, Director of NIHR’s Research for Patient Benefit Program, commended the research for providing a solution to the challenge of measuring blood pressure in individuals unable to have their upper arm monitored. He highlighted the importance of monitoring blood pressure for overall health and wellbeing.