How is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?

Introduction to High Blood Pressure

Hypertension (high blood pressure) can be defined as a condition in which blood pressure in the arteries is elevated to a large extent due to the deposition of plaques in the walls of the arteries leading to their constriction. Hypertension is one of the most common causes of cardiovascular diseases. It is often called the ‘silent killer’, as it does not show any symptoms initially. Myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, tear in the wall of a major artery carrying blood out of the heart, and progressive renal insufficiency are some of the complications related to hypertension.

Hypertension exists in two forms – primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Genetics, ageing, sedentary or inactive lifestyle, obesity, stress, high salt intake, and certain diseases like acromegaly, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes are some of the major causes contributing to hypertension.

How Is Hypertension Diagnosed?

It’s not easy to diagnose hypertension since there are no clear symptoms of the disease. Hypertension is often diagnosed when a person has three or more readings of elevated blood pressure on the Sphygmomanometer scale. A physician will have a look at the medical and family history of the patient and then assess the risk factors and severity of the condition. The potential patient’s pulse rate is also measured from their wrists, arms, and ankles.

How Is Blood Pressure Measured?

Blood pressure is measured using a device known as the Sphygmomanometer. It is equipped with a stethoscope, arm cuff, dial, pump, and valve. The blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury, which is abbreviated as mm Hg. It is represented as systolic pressure over the diastolic pressure of the heart.

• Systolic Blood Pressure

  In written form, the first number or the number on the top is called the systolic blood pressure. This is the rate at which your heart is pumping out blood to the rest of your body. The normal reading for systolic blood pressure is 120 mm Hg.

• Diastolic Blood Pressure

  The second number or the number at the bottom is called the systolic blood pressure. This is the rate at which your heart is filling up with blood. The normal reading for systolic blood pressure is 80 mm Hg.

This is the reason blood pressure is written as 120/80.If the reading of systolic blood pressure is equal to or greater than 140 mm Hg, and/or the diastolic blood pressure reading is equal to or greater than 90 mm Hg, then you could be suffering from elevated blood pressure. An ideal blood pressure reading would be 120/80, or even better, 115/75.It is crucial to know and understand that high blood pressure puts extra load on the heart and blood vessels. If blood pressure is not monitored, the risk of getting a heart attack or choking increases.

Tests Conducted After Getting Diagnosed With Hypertension

If you are diagnosed with hypertension, your physician may carry out the following tests:

• An electrocardiogram test to measure the electrical activity, rate and rhythm of your heartbeat on a graph paper
• An echocardiogram examination is performed to provide pictures of the heart’s valves and chambers. The pictures help to measure the pumping action of the heart chambers. It also provides information on the thickness of the heart wall.
• Various blood tests to rule out any other doubts
• Urine test
• A chest X-ray could also be prescribed

Conclusion

Hypertension can be treated by making lifestyle changes and monitoring your dietary habits. One should exercise regularly to stay fit and keep the heart healthy, eat a balanced diet, eat foods rich in nitrates, reduce salt intake, quit smoking, avoid alcohol, and limit caffeine intake to keep the blood pressure in control. Unfortunately, there is no cure for hypertension. However, several patients around the globe manage this condition by adopting a healthy lifestyle. If you are at risk of developing hypertension or are already a patient, go for regular check-ups to monitor hypertension.

Note of Caution: This article is for information purpose only. Always consult your doctor in case of any blood pressure or other health-related problems.