Hypertension Tests & Diagnosis

Blood Pressure Test

A medical professional will perform a blood pressure test as part of a routine physical exam. You may notice this test every time you visit a doctor. The person measuring your blood pressure will put a cuff on the upper part of your arm. This cuff is either manual or machine operated. When inflated, this cuff blocks the flow of blood through the artery. The person measuring the blood pressure can listen to the pulse in the elbow, which will appear and disappear. Using this technique, it is possible to gauge systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Blood pressure monitoring kits can automate this process.

In general, automatic machines provide more reliable and accurate results than manual readings. There are several other procedures that can ensure accuracy. An accurate diagnosis of hypertension requires three separate measurements that are spaced one week apart. Consistent high blood pressure means that the patient has hypertension.

Blood pressure should be taken at least one hour after caffeine consumption, one hour after smoking or exercise, and without any adrenergic stimulants in the system. The patient must be sitting upright for at least five minutes before blood pressure is taken. Blood pressure should also be measured at the same time.

Home Blood Pressure Kits

Home blood pressure monitoring kits are available to measure blood pressure throughout the day. Many of these kits are portable, so you can see how different activities and situations such as exercise and work affect your blood pressure. A doctor might ask you to keep a log of your blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure throughout the day at specific times can give doctors a more accurate representation of how high blood pressure affects you. Your blood pressure patterns may also shed insight into whether you have a more serious underlying condition.

Additional Tests

If you have high blood pressure, a doctor might prescribe additional tests such as an echocardiogram, urinalysis, and ultrasound. These tests can help diagnose additional problems with the heart, kidneys, and eyes. These tests can also assess whether the hypertension has caused any permanent damage.