Blood pressure is measured using a blood pressure cuff andsphygmomanometer.
This non-invasive rig detects the pressure inside your arteries.
This article discusses how hypertension is diagnosed.
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It describes how blood pressure is measured and how to ensure accurate results.
It also explains the different numerical ranges for hypertension and steps to take to lower high blood pressure.
How Is Blood Pressure Measured?
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Blood pressure is measured using a blood pressure cuff and digital or manual sphygmomanometer.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters (mm) of mercury (Hg).
Readings may be taken on both arms.
The purpose is to get a consistent reading, not to average widely ranging measures.
A diagnosis of hypertension usually requires two or more elevated blood pressure readings taken at separate times.
One reading at your healthcare provider’s office is a snapshot of one moment in time.
Activity, caffeine, stress, and anxiety can all cause a temporary rise in blood pressure.
To get the most accurate reading, your blood pressure should be taken in a quiet, warm environment.
Sit quietly with your feet supported for at least five minutes before taking a reading.
This is known as a resting blood pressure reading, which is considered the most accurate.
If you are wearing long sleeves, your healthcare provider may have you uncover your arm above the elbow.
A cuff that is too big or too small could cause an inaccurate reading.
What Levels Are Considered High?
Hypertension is diagnosed after two or more elevated blood pressure readings taken at least a week apart.
Clinical hypertensionis categorized into twostages:
Dangerously high blood pressurereadings are:
What Is White Coat Hypertension?
This pattern has been calledwhite coat hypertension,and it usually occurs due to anxiety.
Repeat checks may be necessary if this occurs.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
At-home blood pressure monitoring devices are accessible and easy to use.
Other Tests
Blood pressure is very closely tied to heart and kidney function.
Heart rhythm abnormalities can cause high blood pressure.
Likewise, hypertension can produce long-term changes that result in heart rhythm abnormalities.
If you have hypertension, your healthcare provider will want to monitor your blood pressure more frequently.
The first course of treatment is usually lifestyle changes to help bring your blood pressure down.
Blood pressure is measured by taking a reading with a blood pressure cuff and digital or manual sphygmomanometer.
Blood pressure readings should be taken after sitting quietly for five minutes.
Hypertension is typically treated with lifestyle changes and medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, hypertension does not usually cause noticeablesymptoms.
Rarely, people may experience dizziness, shortness of breath, headaches, and nosebleeds.
Black and White people are more likely to have hypertension than people of Asian or Latin descent.
Hypertension isn’t always avoidable, but making healthylifestyle choiceswill help prevent it.
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