A new method that improves the accuracy of interpreting blood pressure measurements taken at the ankle could be vital for individuals who are unable to have their blood pressure measured on the arm.
A newly developed approach could significantly improve how blood pressure readings taken at the ankle are interpreted, offering a vital solution for people who are unable to have their blood pressure measured on the arm.
Researchers have created a personalized predictive model designed to estimate arm blood pressure more accurately using ankle readings. The study, analyzed data from more than 33,000 individuals worldwide. The team has also launched an online calculator to help both healthcare professionals and patients make sense of ankle readings with greater precision.
High blood pressure affects more than one billion people across the globe and is a leading contributor to heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Because of these risks, ensuring that blood pressure is measured and interpreted correctly is crucial. In most cases, the arm is used for these measurements, but for some people—such as those with disabilities, missing limbs, or movement difficulties after a stroke—this isn’t possible.
In such situations, measurements can be taken at the ankle. However, ankle readings tend to be higher than those from the arm, and since current treatment guidelines are based solely on arm measurements, this difference can make accurate diagnosis difficult and increase the likelihood of errors.
