High Blood Pressure : Symptoms and Diagnosis

by National Institute on Aging

(Page 3 of 4)

High blood pressure is often called the "silent killer" because you can have it for years without knowing it. The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure measured.

Most doctors will check your blood pressure several times on different days before making a diagnosis. Only if you have several readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher (or 130/80 mmHg or higher if you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease), will your doctor diagnose you with high blood pressure.

Having your blood pressure measured is quick and easy. Your doctor or nurse will use some type of gauge, a stethoscope or electronic sensor, and a blood pressure cuff, also called a sphygmomanometer.

You should be sitting down and relaxed when your blood pressure is taken. There are other things you can do to prepare for the test.

• Don't drink coffee or smoke cigarettes for 30 minutes beforehand.
• Sit for five minutes with your back supported and your feet flat on the floor. Rest your arm on a table at the level of your heart.
• Wear short sleeves so your arm is exposed.
• Go to the bathroom prior to the reading. A full bladder can change the reading.

Get two readings, taken at least two minutes apart, and average the results. Ask the doctor or nurse to tell you your blood pressure reading in numbers and to explain what the numbers mean. Write down your numbers or ask the doctor or nurse to write them down for you.

You can also check your blood pressure at home with a home blood pressure measurement device or monitor. It is important that you understand how to use the monitor. Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can help you check the monitor and teach you how to use it correctly. You may also ask for their help in choosing the right blood pressure monitor for you. Blood pressure monitors can be bought at discount chain stores and pharmacies.

When you are taking your blood pressure at home, sit with your back supported and your feet flat on the floor. Rest your arm on a table at the level of your heart. Take two readings, at least two minutes apart. Take the average of the results.

Quiz

1. Any time your blood pressure measures 140/90 mmHg or higher (130/80 mmHg or higher if you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease), your doctor will give you a diagnosis of high blood pressure.

FALSE is the correct answer. Most doctors will check your blood pressure several times on different days before making a diagnosis. Only if you have several readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher (or 130/80 mmHg or higher if you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease), will your doctor diagnose you with high blood pressure.

2. Having your blood pressure measured involves several complicated tests.

FALSE is the correct answer. Having your blood pressure measured is quick and easy. Your doctor or nurse will use some type of gauge, a stethoscope or electronic sensor, and a blood pressure cuff, also called a sphygmomanometer.

3. There are several things you can do to prepare to have your blood pressure measured.

TRUE is the correct answer.

You should be sitting down and relaxed when your blood pressure is taken.

• Don't drink coffee or smoke cigarettes for 30 minutes beforehand.
• Sit for five minutes with your back supported, your feet flat on the floor, and ground.
• Rest your arm on a table at the level of your heart.
• Wear short sleeves so your arm is exposed.
• Go to the bathroom prior to the reading. A full bladder can change the reading.

4. You can also check your blood pressure at home with a home blood pressure measurement device or monitor.

TRUE is the correct answer. You can also check your blood pressure at home with a home blood pressure measurement device or monitor. But it is important that you understand how to use the monitor. Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can help you check the monitor and teach you how to use it correctly. You may also ask for their help in choosing the right blood pressure monitor for you. Blood pressure monitors can be bought at discount chain stores and pharmacies.

About the Author

www.nia.nih.gov
NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. In 1974, Congress granted authority to form NIA to provide leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people.