Diagnosis and tests for hypertension

Diagnosis of high blood pressure is made by measuring it, over a number of clinic visits, via a sphygmomamometer – the familiar upper-arm cuff device. An isolated high reading is not taken – rather, diagnosis can be made after measurement on at least three separate days.

Measurements at the doctor’s office may be both while seated and after standing, to look for orthostatic or postural hypotension.

Reliability of blood pressure readings may be improved by taking a series of measurements outside the doctor’s office, by doing self-measurement at home with standardized devices.

We have more detailed information about measuring blood pressure.

Doctors take a history (ask questions, such as about cardiovascular problems) and do a physical examination in addition to classifying high blood pressure using sphygmomanometry.

Other tests also help to identify the cause and determine whether there have been any complications – these may include urine tests, kidney ultrasound imaging, blood tests, ECG and possibly echocardiography.

Reference: Medical News Today, 2015.