High blood pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) doesn't usually have any symptoms, so the only way to find out if you have it is to get your blood pressure checked.
Healthy adults aged over 40 should have their blood pressure checked at least once every five years.
If you're at anincreased risk of high blood pressure, you should have your blood pressure checked more often ideally once a year.
Having this done is easy and could save your life.
This page covers:
Ambulatory (24-hour) monitoring
You can ask for a blood pressure check you don't have to wait to be offered one.
Blood pressure testingis available:
You can also test your blood pressure at homeusing a home testing kit.
A stethoscope, arm cuff, pump and dial was normally used to measure your blood pressure, but automatic devices with sensors and digital displays are commonly used nowadays.
It's best to sit down with your back supported and legs uncrossed for at least five minutes before 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.
During the test:
You can usually find out your result straight away, either from the healthcare professional carrying out the test or on the digital display.
If your blood pressure is high, you may be advised to record your blood pressure at home to confirm whether you have high blood pressure.
Having a raised blood pressure reading in one test doesn't necessarily mean you have high blood pressure.
Blood pressure can fluctuate throughout the day. Feeling anxious or stressed when you visit your GP can also raise your blood pressure.
If you have a high reading, you may be asked totake some readings withahome blood pressure monitor or wear a 24-hour monitorthat checks your blood pressure throughout the day. This will confirm whether you have consistently high blood pressure.
This is known as24-hour or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).
Blood pressure tests can also be carried out at home using your own digital blood pressure monitor.
Like 24-hour or ambulatory monitoring, this can give a better reflection of your blood pressure. It can also allow you to monitor your condition more easily in the long term.
You can buy a variety of low-cost monitors so you can test your blood pressure at home or while you're out and about.
It's important to make sure you use equipment that has been properly tested. The British Hypertension Society (BHS) has information aboutvalidated blood pressure monitors that are available to buy.
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and isgiven as two figures:
For example, ifyour blood pressure is "140 over 90", or 140/90mmHg, it means you have a systolic pressure of 140mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 90mmHg.
As a general guide:
A blood pressure reading between 120/80mmHg and 140/90mmHg could mean you're at risk of developing high blood pressure if you don't take steps to keep your blood pressure under control.
Find out more aboutwhat your blood pressure result means.
Find everything you need to know about high blood pressure (hypertension), including causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, with links to other useful resources.
Find out what can increase your risk of high blood pressure and what the known underlying causes are.
Find out when you should get your blood pressure tested, where you can get tested, and what the test involves.
Read about the main treatments for high blood pressure, including lifestyle changes and medication.
Find out about the lifestyle changes you can make to prevent and reduce high blood pressure.
Read Andy Jones' story about his diagnosis and treatment for high blood pressure.