How to Diagnose High Blood Preasure

High blood pressure, medically referred to as hypertension, is caused by increased narrowing of the arterial walls combined with increased blood flow. There are two types of high blood pressure--primary and secondary. Primary hypertension has no identifiable cause and is found in up to 95 percent of cases. Secondary hypertension is a side effect of diseases such as kidney and adrenal gland malfunction; certain drugs from over-the-counter medications, birth control and illegal drugs may cause increased blood pressure. According to The Mayo Clinic, hypertension can occur in the human body for years without any signs or symptoms. Risks of hypertension include blood clots, pulmonary embolisms, heart attacks and strokes. Diagnosing high blood pressure is a rather simple process and takes just a few quick steps.

Instructions

• 1

  Have blood pressure checked by a medical professional. Avoid caffeine, exercise and smoking 30 minutes prior to getting blood pressure checked. Sit quietly five minutes prior to the procedure.

• 2

  Place your arm into the inflatable arm cuff. Rest arm at the level of the heart. The medical professional will inflate the cuff and place a stethoscope onto the brachial artery, inside the elbow. Remain quiet and still so an accurate reading can be taken. The medical professional will read the valve attached to the cuff. Be prepared to have your blood pressure measured two or more times in one sitting to determine if the reading is correct.

• 3

  Ask what the blood pressure reading is. According to the National Institutes of Health, a reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered hypertension. A medical professional will not diagnose hypertension until there are several readings, often weeks apart. Blood pressure of 160/100 and 179/109 mm Hg should be checked again in two weeks. Readings of 140/90 and 159/99 should be checked again in four weeks. Prehypertension, readings between 120/80 and 139/89 mm Hg, should be checked every four to six months. Recheck normal blood pressure, less than 120/80 mm Hg, on an annual basis.

• 4

  Check blood pressure at home. Understand what "white coat" hypertension is; some people may only experience hypertension in a doctor's office due to the stress and anxiety of the doctor's visit. Your doctor may send an electronic blood pressure machine home with you so you can check your own blood pressure in a less stressful environment.