Breast Cancer |
Blood pressure and mastectomy10/29/2009 |
Why is it not recommended to have blood pressure taken on the arm where the mastectomy is?
One of the complications of mastectomy, especially if lymph nodes under the are are also removed, is called lymphedema. Lymphedema is a swelling of the arm related to collection of lymph fluid. There are many triggers for increased lymph production, and trauma to the arm (which can be caused by a blood pressure cuff) is one of them. Avoiding these triggers can decrease the likelihood of the development of lymphedema.
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Doreen M Agnese, MD Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery College of Medicine The Ohio State University |