High blood pressure rarely announces itself. Half of American adults have it, and about 1 in 3 of those with the condition do not know it or are not being treated. That is why simple checks matter.
Reading the two numbers
A blood pressure reading has two parts, both measured in millimeters of mercury. The top number is systolic pressure, the force in your arteries as your heart beats. The bottom number is diastolic pressure, the force between beats. For most adults, a healthy reading is lower than 120 over 80. Pressure is considered high when readings are consistently 130 or higher on top, or 80 or higher on the bottom.
Symptoms are not a reliable guide
Problems from high blood pressure usually do not show up until it has already caused serious health trouble. Anyone age 3 or older should have pressure checked by a health care provider at least once a year, and the check can also show whether treatment is working.
Getting an accurate reading
A measurement is quick and painless, and it can be done at a clinic, a pharmacy or at home with an approved device. To get a true number, prepare first:
- Skip exercise, coffee and cigarettes for 30 minutes beforehand.
- Use the bathroom before the test.
- Sit and relax for at least 5 minutes with your feet flat on the floor.
- Do not talk during the rest period or the reading.
- Bare your arm and rest it on a table at heart level.
Even with good preparation, a reading can be off. Nerves can push numbers up in a clinic, a condition sometimes called white coat hypertension, and some people read lower in the office than at home. A cuff that is too small or too large also skews results, so ask whether the right size is being used.
What to do next
If a reading comes back high, do not panic over a single number. Your provider may review several readings from different settings before making a diagnosis, and can explain treatment options if you need them.