My mother is 70 and a life-long smoker, though not overweight, and of
average health (considering the smoking).  The other day, blood seeped
through the skin of both of her forearms, badly enough that both arms
needed to be bandaged.  She attributed it to high blood pressure. What
is the cause of this and how serious is it?  Thank you!

I don't know what caused this 'oozing' but am certain it wasn't high
blood pressure; pressure is pretty low in the blood vessels supplying
the skin and if blood pressure were to cause bleeding anywhere it is
likely to be internal not external

Please convince your mom to seek medical attention. Blood seeping
through unbroken skin is NOT a normal sign of hypertension. She could
have a platelet abnormality or other serious condition that needs
treatment. There is no way that this can be diagnosed over the
Internet.

my first thought is she is on aspirin, plavix or blood thinner.  as a
general rule a 70 year old feeling ok will not present with this
problem at this age as a first presentation of a serious problem. she
definitely does need a c.b.c,  in case her platelets are low however,
as well as a p.t. and p.t.t. tocheck for blood thickness.  basically
100 dollars to a good general doctor should rule out anything
significant.