Blood Pressure: Right side reading higher than left

Posted By mkenton on January 08, 1999 at 20:11:44:







When I measure my blood pressure there is a 5-10 point higher reading of both systolic and diastolic on my right side than on my left side. Is this normal? The higher reading is consistent regardless of which side I take the reading on first. Which side should I take the reading on, does it matter? Which side is more accurate since the variation is so large? Is it common to have this result?
I appreciate your reply.