Blood pressure test (2024)

FAQs

What is the test for blood pressure? ›

Blood pressure measurement. A blood pressure reading measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats (top number, called systolic pressure) and between heartbeats (bottom number, called diastolic pressure). To measure blood pressure, an inflatable cuff is usually placed around the arm.

Take it first in the morning before eating or taking any medications. Take it again in the evening. Each time you measure, take two or three readings to make sure your results are the same. Your health care provider might recommend taking your blood pressure at the same times each day.

Normal pressure is 120/80 or lower. Your blood pressure is considered high (stage 1) if it reads 130 to 139 mmHg/80 to 89 mmHg. Stage 2 high blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If you get a blood pressure reading of 180/120 or higher more than once, seek medical treatment right away.

Call 911 or emergency medical services if your blood pressure is 180/120 mm Hg or greater and you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or symptoms of stroke. Stroke symptoms include: Numbness or tingling. Loss of feeling in the face, arm or leg, often on just one side of the body.

In addition to deep breathing exercises, other methods that may help reduce stress and lower blood pressure include: taking a short walk, acupuncture, drinking hibiscus tea, and getting some sun. If calming techniques don't help, consult a physician immediately.

If blood pressure becomes elevated due to dehydration, it may be possible to help lower it by drinking water. Dehydration causes the blood to have higher than normal levels of sodium. When this happens, the brain sends signals to the pituitary gland to secrete vasopressin, also called antidiuretic hormone.

Most people who have high blood pressure do not have symptoms. In some cases, people with high blood pressure may have a pounding feeling in their head or chest, a feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness, or other signs.

Having high blood pressure weakens and damages your blood vessels over time and raises your risk of stroke. While any level of high blood pressure raises your stroke risk, it's recommended that you keep your blood pressure consistently below 130/80 mm Hg to prevent a first-time stroke.

Salty foods. High sodium consumption can elevate blood pressure. Many people eat too much sodium without realizing it. Highly processed foods and fast foods usually contain excessive amounts of sodium, often more than the 2,300 milligrams a person should consume daily.

What is blood pressure test called? ›

Other names: blood pressure reading, blood pressure test, blood pressure screening, sphygmomanometry.

A blood pressure test measures the pressure in the arteries as the heart pumps. A blood pressure test may be done as a part of a routine health checkup or as a screening for high blood pressure (hypertension). Some people use home monitors to check their blood pressure at home.

An ECG (electrocardiogram) records the electrical activity of your heart at rest. It provides information about your heart rate and rhythm, and shows if there is enlargement of the heart due to high blood pressure (hypertension) or evidence of a previous heart attack (myocardial infarction).

High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. The only sure way to tell that you have it is to measure it with a device called a sphygmomanometer. It has a gauge and a rubber cuff that's placed around your arm or leg and inflated. The person taking your blood pressure wraps the cuff around your upper arm.