Reasons for Taking Blood Pressure in the Legs

Usually blood pressure is taken by wrapping the cuff around the upper arm with the patient in a seated position. Sometimes doctors may take a reading on the calf or ankle for comparison purposes or check for peripheral artery disease.

Blood pressure is measured to gauge cardiovascular health. A reading of 140 systolic over 90 diastolic taken in the arm is considered the first stage of hypertension.

Typical blood pressure cuffs are designed for arms. You need a specially designed, larger cuff to take a measurement on your legs.

You doctor will determine the significance of blood pressure in your legs as compared to your arms. Typically, systolic pressure readings will be higher in the legs.

One of the main reasons blood pressure is measured in the legs is to diagnose peripheral artery disease. Measurements may be taken in the calf or thigh, but are more commonly taken in the ankle.

You can measure blood pressure in your arms using a home monitor device. However, you should never try to to take blood pressure measurements on the legs without a doctor. Unless you have a very thin legs, you will need a larger cuff, and the significance of the readings need to be determined by a professional.