LAB TEST
Blood pressure measurement
Blood pressure is a measurement of the force on the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood through your body. You can measure your blood pressure at home. You can also have it checked at your health care provider's office, many pharmacies, or even at some fire stations.
How the Test is Performed
Sit in a chair with your back supported. Your legs should be uncrossed, and your feet on the floor. Your arm should be supported so that your upper arm is at heart level. Roll up your sleeve so that your arm is bare. Be sure the sleeve is not bunched up and squeezing your arm. If it is, take your arm out of the…
How to Prepare for the Test
Before you measure your blood pressure: Rest for at least 5 minutes, 10 minutes is better, before blood pressure is taken. DO NOT take your blood pressure when you are under stress, have had caffeine or used tobacco in the past 30 minutes, or have exercised recently. Take 2 or 3 readings at a sitting. Take the…
How the Test will Feel
You will feel slight discomfort when the blood pressure cuff is inflated to its highest level.
Why the Test is Performed
High blood pressure has no symptoms (except in rare, extreme situations), so you may not know if you have this problem. High blood pressure is often discovered during a visit to your provider for another reason, such as a routine physical exam. Finding high blood pressure and treating it early can help prevent heart…
Normal Results
Blood pressure readings are usually given as two numbers. For example, your provider might tell you that your blood pressure is 120 over 80 (written as 120/80 mm Hg). One or both of these numbers can be too high. Normal blood pressure is when the top number (systolic blood pressure) is below 120 and the bottom number…
What Abnormal Results Mean
If your systolic blood pressure is 120 to 129 and your diastolic blood pressure is less than 80, you have elevated blood pressure. Your provider will recommend lifestyle changes to bring your blood pressure down to a normal range. Medicines are rarely used at this stage. If your blood pressure is 130/80 or higher but…
Considerations
It is normal for your blood pressure to vary at different times of the day: It is usually higher when you are at work. It drops slightly when you are at home. It is usually lowest when you are sleeping. It is normal for your blood pressure to increase suddenly when you wake up. In people with very high blood pressure,…
References
American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 10. Cardiovascular disease and risk management: standards of care in diabetes-2024. Diabetes Care . 2024;47:S179-S218. PMID: 38078592 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38078592 . American Heart Association (AHA), American Medical Association (AMA) website. Target:…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 23/07/2024).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.