What is High Blood Pressure & How Do You Diagnose it with Blood Pressure Testing?
A blood pressure test is used to determine if your blood pressure is normal, high, or low. Blood pressure refers to the force with which your blood presses against the sidewalls of your arteries as it circulates throughout your body. Continue reading to learn more about our high blood pressure testing in Wembley for those aged 40+.
Hypotension (low blood pressure) is rarely a concern, though it can induce symptoms such as dizziness and fainting in some people.
If left untreated, high blood pressure can raise your risk of catastrophic illnesses like heart attacks and strokes.
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Blood pressure should be monitored at least once every 5 years in healthy persons over 40. If you are at an increased risk of high blood pressure, you should have it checked more frequently, preferably once a year. This is a simple procedure that could save your life.
What are the types of high blood pressure testing in Wembley?
Your pharmacist will do a physical examination and ask you about your past medical history. A doctor, nurse, or another health assistant will wrap an inflated arm cuff around your arm and use a pressure-measuring gauge to take your blood pressure.
To see if there is a variation in your blood pressure, it should be measured in both arms. It’s critical to use the correct arm cuff size.
Blood pressure testing in Wembley
If you do have high blood pressure, your pharmacist may suggest testing to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any underlying causes of hypertension.
– Continuous ambulatory monitoring. This 24-hour blood pressure monitoring test determines whether or not you have high blood pressure. This test’s equipment takes your blood pressure at periodic intervals throughout a 24-hour period, giving you a more realistic picture of how your blood pressure changes throughout the day and night.
– Laboratory tests. A urine test (urinalysis) and blood tests, such as a cholesterol test, may be recommended by your pharmacist or doctor.
– Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This simple examination measures the electrical activity of your heart.
– Your doctor may arrange echocardiography to check for more indicators of heart disease based on your symptoms and test results.
What are the five signs and symptoms of hypertension?
If your blood pressure is exceptionally high, you should be aware of the following symptoms:
– Severe headaches
– Tiredness or confusion
– Issues with vision
– Chest discomfort
– Breathing problems and irregular heartbeat
It is not too early to start making healthy lifestyle choices like stopping smoking, eating more nutritious meals, and exercising more. These are the primary methods for preventing high blood pressure and related consequences, such as heart attack and stroke.
What do the results of my blood pressure testing in Wembley mean?
Normal
Blood pressure readings that are less than 120/80 mm Hg are deemed normal. If you have this result, continue to practice heart-healthy habits including eating healthy foods and exercising regularly.
Elevated
When blood pressure measurements are regularly 120 to 129 systolic and lower than 80 mm Hg diastolic, it is considered elevated. People who have elevated blood pressure are more likely to acquire hypertension unless they take actions to control it.
Stage 1 hypertension
When blood pressure continuously ranges from 130 to 139 systolic or 80 to 89 mm Hg diastolic, it is classified as hypertension stage 1. Doctors are likely to advise lifestyle adjustments and may consider adding blood pressure medication at this stage of high blood pressure, depending on your chance of acquiring atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and its complications like a heart attack or stroke.
Stage 2 hypertension
When blood pressure is regularly 140/90 mm Hg or greater, it is classified as hypertension stage 2. Doctors are likely to prescribe a mix of blood pressure drugs and lifestyle adjustments during this phase of high blood pressure.
A hypertensive emergency
This level of hypertension necessitates medical intervention. If your blood pressure suddenly rises above 180/120 mm Hg, wait 5 minutes before taking another reading. If your results remain abnormally high, see your doctor right away. You could be having a hypertensive emergency.
If your blood pressure goes higher than 180/120 mm Hg and you’re having symptoms of organ damage including chest discomfort, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, visual changes, or difficulty speaking, don’t wait for it to go down on its own. Seek medical assistance right away.
What should I do if my high blood pressure testing in Wembley shows 150/ 90?
A blood pressure of 150/90 mmHg is classified as stage I hypertension, which indicates that you may have to undertake the management methods above.
Get in touch with us today or book your appointment to get your blood pressure test. We offer testing for over-40s to help identify cases of hypertension that would otherwise go undetected. You can book over the phone or via the booking calendar below at your convenience.
This blog post was written on behalf of S&S Chemists by Pharmacy Mentor.