High Blood Pressure | Diagnosis & Tests

How is high blood pressure diagnosed?

High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. The only way you can find out that your blood pressure is too high is to check it with a pressure monitor. The higher your blood pressure is, the more often you need to check it.

Your doctor will measure your blood pressure at more than one visit to see if you have high blood pressure. When you first start treatment to lower your blood pressure, your doctor may want you to come to the office regularly. Your blood pressure will be checked at the office.

You may also be asked to check your blood pressure at home and keep track of your numbers for your doctor. High-quality automated arm blood pressure cuffs for home use can be purchased for about $40 to $60. Your doctor may want you to check your blood pressure several times in a day. Another option is to have you use an ambulatory blood pressure monitor.

How often should I have my blood pressure checked?

After age 18, have your blood pressure checked at least once every 2 years. Do it more often if you have had high blood pressure in the past. Your doctor may even ask you to monitor your blood pressure at home.

What do the numbers mean?

Blood pressure is really two measurements, separated by a slash when written, such as 120/80. You may also hear someone say a blood pressure is "120 over 80."

The first number is the systolic blood pressure. This is the peak blood pressure when your heart is squeezing blood out. The second number is the diastolic blood pressure. It's the pressure when your heart is filling with blood--relaxing between beats.

A normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If your blood pressure is between 120/80 and 140/90, you have what is called "prehypertension," which means that if you don’t take important steps, your blood pressure can turn into high blood pressure.