Measuring Blood Pressure
A blood pressure measurement is a test that assesses the force of blood against your artery walls, serving as a critical tool for diagnosing hypertension and monitoring cardiovascular health.
What is a blood pressure measurement?
Each time your heart beats, it pumps blood into your arteries. A blood pressure measurement is a test that measures the force (pressure) in your arteries as your heart pumps. It is measured as two numbers:
- Systolic blood pressure (the first and higher number) measures pressure inside your arteries when your heart beats.
- Diastolic blood pressure (the second and lower number) measures the pressure inside the artery when your heart rests between beats.
If your blood pressure is high on several different measurements on different days, you might have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Because high blood pressure rarely causes symptoms, this measurement is essential for early diagnosis and treatment.
Why do I need a blood pressure test?
Everyone age 3 or older should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year. You may need more frequent testing if you:
- Are 40 years old or older.
- Are overweight or have obesity.
- Have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
- Take birth control pills or other medicines that can increase blood pressure.
- Are Black/African American.
What happens during a blood pressure test?
During the test, you will sit with your feet flat on the floor and your arm level with your heart. A provider will wrap a blood pressure cuff around your upper arm and inflate it to temporarily block blood flow. As the air is slowly released, the provider listens with a stethoscope or uses an automated device to record the systolic and diastolic pressures.
What do the results mean?
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Categories include:
- Normal: Less than 120/80
- Elevated: 120–129 / less than 80
- High Blood Pressure Stage 1: 130–139 / 80–89
- High Blood Pressure Stage 2: 140 or higher / 90 or higher
- Hypertensive Crisis: Higher than 180 / higher than 120 (seek medical care right away)
Lifestyle and Management
If diagnosed with high blood pressure, your provider may recommend:
- Getting regular physical activity.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Eating a heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH eating plan.
- Reducing salt intake.
- Limiting alcohol and quitting smoking.
- Managing stress and getting quality sleep.
At-home blood pressure monitoring can provide important information, but it is not a replacement for regular visits with your provider.