Influencing factors for the increased inter-arm systolic blood pressure difference among populations of different genders

Abstract

Objective: To explore the influencing factors for the enlargement of inter-arm systolic blood pressure difference (IASBPD) between different genders. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the data of individuals who underwent body composition testing in our department and completed limb arterial blood pressure measurement, biochemical examinations, and other relevant tests at the physical examination center or outpatient clinic of our hospital between September 2019 and December 2022. The participants were divided into two groups based on whether the inter-arm systolic blood pressure difference (IASBPD) was increased: the IASBPD≥10mmHg group and the IASBPD<10mmHg group. The influencing factors for an increased IASBPD were analyzed in the overall population as well as in different gender subgroups. Results: Participants with IASBPD≥10mmHg exhibited higher obesity-related indicators, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), neck circumference (NC), abdominal circumference (AC), and visceral fat area (VFA) (P<0.05). Additionally,the group with an IASBPD≥10mmHg had a higher proportion of males, elevated levels of white blood cells, monocytes, and lymphocytes, as well as a higher prevalence of hypertension and dyslipideia (P<0.05). IASBPD was positively correlated with NC, age, and lymphocytes, and negatively correlated with Ankle-Bronchial Index (ABI). An increased ABI was a protective factor for IASBPD in the general population, while an increased NC and hypertension were risk factors for an increased IASBPD. However, an increase in NC is a risk factor for an elevated IASBPD in males, while advanced age is a risk factor for increased IASBPD in females.There are differences in IASBPD values between males and females in the quartile groups stratified by NC and age. ABI-left, right and left upper arm systolic blood pressure all exhibit certain predictive performance for the increase in IASBPD in both male and female populations. The cut-off values of NC and age for predicting the elevation of IASBPD were 37.75 (sensitivity: 66.1%, specificity: 53.5%) and 49.5 (sensitivity: 77.0%, specificity: 47.5%), respectively. Conclusion: The incidence of increased IASBPD is higher in the male population. An increase in NC and advancing age are identified as risk factors for IASBPD elevation in the male and female populations, respectively.