Why test blood pressure

The top or first number is the systolic pressure. The bottom or second number is the diastolic pressure. High blood pressure readings are also labeled by categories, ranging from normal to crisis. Your reading may show your blood pressure is:. Your provider may also recommend that you regularly check your blood pressure at home with an automated blood pressure monitor. An at-home blood pressure monitor usually includes a blood pressure cuff and a digital device to record and display blood pressure readings.

Home monitoring is not a replacement for regular visits to your provider. But it can provide important information, such as whether treatment is working or your condition may have worsened.

Also, home monitoring may make the test less stressful. Many people get nervous about getting their blood pressure taken at a provider's office. This is called "white coat syndrome. For more information about home monitoring of blood pressure, talk to your provider.

Treatments for low blood pressure may include medicines and making certain changes to your diet. If you were diagnosed with high blood pressure, your provider may recommend one or more of the following lifestyle changes.

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Measuring Blood Pressure. What is a blood pressure measurement? Blood pressure is measured as two numbers: Systolic blood pressure the first and higher number measures pressure inside your arteries when the heart beats.

Diastolic blood pressure the second and lower number measures the pressure inside the artery when the heart rests between beats. What is it used for? A blood pressure measurement is most often used to diagnose high blood pressure. Why do I need a blood pressure test? What happens during a blood pressure test? A blood pressure test includes the following steps: You will sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. You will rest your arm on a table or other surface, so your arm is level with your heart.

You may be asked to roll up your sleeve. Your provider will wrap a blood pressure cuff around your arm. A blood pressure cuff is a strap-like device. It should fit snugly around your upper arm, with the bottom edge placed just above your elbow.

Your provider will inflate the blood pressure cuff using a small hand pump or by pressing a button on an automated device. Low blood pressure hypotension isn't usually as serious, although it can cause dizziness and fainting in some people. A blood pressure test is the only way to find out if your blood pressure is too high or too low, because most people won't have any obvious symptoms.

Having a test is easy and could save your life. It's recommended that all adults over 40 years of age have their blood pressure tested at least every 5 years so any potential problems can be detected early.

If you've already been diagnosed with high or low blood pressure, or you're at a particularly high risk of these problems , you may need to have more frequent tests to monitor your blood pressure. This usually consists of a stethoscope, arm cuff, pump and dial, although automatic devices that use sensors and have a digital display are also commonly used nowadays.

It's best to sit down with your back supported and legs uncrossed for the test. You'll usually need to roll up your sleeves or remove any long-sleeved clothing, so the cuff can be placed around your upper arm. Try to relax and avoid talking while the test is carried out. You can usually find out your result straight away, either from the healthcare professional carrying out the test or on the digital display.

Blood pressure tests can also be carried out at home using your own digital blood pressure monitor. Hypertension Stage 1 is when blood pressure consistently ranges from systolic or mm Hg diastolic. At this stage of high blood pressure, doctors are likely to prescribe lifestyle changes and may consider adding blood pressure medication based on your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease ASCVD , such as heart attack or stroke.

At this stage of high blood pressure, doctors are likely to prescribe a combination of blood pressure medications and lifestyle changes. This stage of high blood pressure requires medical attention.

If your readings are still unusually high, contact your doctor immediately. You could be experiencing a hypertensive crisis. Call Your donation funds research, education and advocacy efforts that are saving lives every day. Thank you! Your blood pressure numbers and what they mean Your blood pressure is recorded as two numbers:. Typically, more attention is given to systolic blood pressure the first number as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease for people over In most people, systolic blood pressure rises steadily with age due to the increasing stiffness of large arteries, long-term buildup of plaque and an increased incidence of cardiac and vascular disease.

However, either an elevated systolic or an elevated diastolic blood pressure reading may be used to make a diagnosis of high blood pressure. According to recent studies, the risk of death from ischemic heart disease and stroke doubles with every 20 mm Hg systolic or 10 mm Hg diastolic increase among people from age 40 to The abbreviation mm Hg means millimeters of mercury.