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How Is Blood Pressure Diagnosed?

Blood pressure is measured using a cuff placed on one arm. This cuff has to be fit properly to ensure accurate readings and to determine whether the readings are normal or if you need medical assistance. The cuff inflates with a hand pump or a machine, which can be referred to as an automatic blood pressure reading. The arm with the higher reading should then be used.

Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). If the blood pressure diagnosed is 130/80 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) or higher, it is categorized as high blood pressure or hypertension. The average of two or more readings obtained at different times is typically used to identify high blood pressure.

Depending on how high it is, blood pressure is classified. We call this staging.

Hypertension in Stage 1 The range of values for the top and bottom values is 130–139 mm Hg and 80–89 mm Hg, respectively.

Hypertension in stage 2, 140 mm Hg or more is the upper limit, and 90 mm Hg or more is the lower limit.

At times, the top blood pressure reading is high, yet the bottom reading is normal (less than 80 mm Hg). This is called isolated systolic hypertension, a common type of high blood pressure in individuals over 65.

If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, you may need to undergo some tests to determine the cause. 

• Ambulatory Inspection 

A longer blood pressure surveillance test can be performed to check blood pressure at regular intervals for six or twenty-four hours. This is referred to as ambulatory BPM monitoring. Check with your health plan to find out if ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is a covered service.

• Investigations At The Lab

Tests on both blood and urine are performed to look for diseases that may worsen or cause high blood pressure. Tests are also conducted to measure blood sugar and cholesterol. Lab tests to determine the functioning of your thyroid, liver, and kidneys may also be necessary.

• Cardiogram (also known as ECG or EKG)

This rapid and painless test measures the heart’s electrical impulses and can determine the heart rate in any direction. During an electrocardiogram (ECG), electrodes or sensors are sometimes connected to the arms or legs and other times to the chest. The detectors are wired to a machine that prints or displays the data.

• Echocardiography (ECHO) 

This simple examination creates thorough images of the beating heart using sound waves. It depicts the flow of blood via the heart’s valves.

Monitoring your blood pressure at home is a helpful practice. It informs your doctors about whether your disease is worsening or your medication is performing.

Local pharmacies and retailers supply home blood pressure monitors.

The American Heart Association advises using a blood pressure monitor with an upper arm cuff for the most accurate reading.

Modifying your way of life may help manage and regulate high blood pressure. Your doctor might advise you to alter your lifestyle in either of the following manners:

• Following a diet low in salt, which is heart-healthy
• Participation in routine physical activity
• Maintaining an appropriate weight or reducing body mass
• Cutting off alcohol intake
• Refrain from smoking
• Sleeping for up to nine hours daily

Modifying one’s lifestyle is sometimes necessary to control high blood pressure. If these don’t work, your doctor might suggest using medication to lower your blood pressure.

• The kind of medication used to treat hypertension is determined by your blood pressure level and general health. It’s common for multiple medications to function efficiently, rather than a single medicine to control high blood pressure. Finding the medication or medication combination that is most effective for you may take some time.Determining the ideal blood pressure level while taking high blood pressure medication. A blood pressure treatment target of less than 130/80 mm Hg is what you should strive for if:
  • You’re a fit adult who is 65 years or over.
  • You are a healthy adult under 65 years of age who has a 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease of 10% or more.
  • You have diabetes, coronary artery disease, or chronic kidney disease.

  Age and health issues can impact the ideal blood pressure target, especially for people over 65.

There are various research methods in conduction for utilizing heat to eliminate renal nerves and control excessive hypertension. Renal denervation is the name of the technique. Early research indicated certain advantages. However, more thorough research revealed that in patients with resistant hypertension, it has little to no impact on blood pressure reduction. More studies are being conducted to find out what function this therapy might have in treating hypertension, if any.

Implementing healthy lifestyle choices, like giving up smoking, eating better, and exercising more, is something you should do at any age. These are your primary lines of protection against hypertension and all of its aftereffects, such as heart attacks and strokes.

Sahyadri Hospitals, one of Maharashtra’s largest healthcare networks, offers top-tier medical care through expert teams and advanced technology. Focusing on patient-centred care and affordability, they provide a wide range of specialized treatments and routine medical services, ensuring personalized healthcare solutions. For more information, visit Sahyadri Hospitals.

• How is blood pressure measured?

Blood pressure is measured using a sphygmomanometer consisting of an inflatable cuff and a pressure gauge.

• How often should blood pressure be checked?

Adults’ blood pressure should be checked at least once a year, or more frequently if they have high blood pressure or other risk factors.

• What is considered a regular blood pressure reading?

A regular blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg.

• Can I measure blood pressure at home?

You can measure blood pressure at home using a digital blood pressure monitor for convenience and accuracy.

• What factors can influence my blood pressure reading?

Stress, physical activity, time of day, and dietary choices can influence blood pressure readings.