Diagnosis

Checking your blood pressure is the only way to know if you have hypertension (high blood pressure). Blood pressure is typically measured with an upper-arm inflatable blood pressure cuff. There are two numbers in your blood pressure measurement:

Systolic (top number) – This number measures how much pressure your blood exerts against the walls of your arteries during each heartbeat.
Diastolic (bottom number) – This number measures how much pressure your blood exerts against the walls of your arteries while your heart rests between beats.

Once you have an accurate blood pressure reading, it's important for you to understand what those results mean and to work with your doctor to get your blood pressure under control.

Blood pressure categories

Blood Pressure Category	Systolic mm Hg (Top Number)	And/or	Diastolic mm Hg (Bottom Number)
Normal	Lower than 120	And	Lower than 80
Elevated	120-129	And	Lower than 80
High Blood Pressure/Hypertension (Stage 1)	130-139	Or	80-89
High Blood Pressure/Hypertension (Stage 2)	140 or higher	Or	90 or higher
Hypertensive Crisis (Contact Your Doctor Immediately)	Higher than 180	And/or	Higher than 120

Normal	Your blood pressure is considered normal if it's less than 120/80 mm Hg. If your blood pressure falls into this category, continue making heart-healthy choices such as exercising regularly, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, and not smoking.
Elevated	Your blood pressure is considered elevated when your blood pressure readings consistently range from 120-129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. If your blood pressure falls into this category, you will likely develop high blood pressure unless healthy lifestyle modifications are made to control the condition.
Hypertension Stage 1	Your blood pressure is considered Hypertension Stage 1 when your blood pressure consistently ranges from 130-139 systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic. If your blood pressure falls into this category, your doctor will likely prescribe healthy lifestyle changes and possibly blood pressure medications based on your risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Hypertension Stage 2	Your blood pressure is considered Hypertension Stage 2 when your blood pressure consistently ranges at 140/90 mm Hg or higher. If your blood pressure falls into this category, your doctor will likely prescribe healthy lifestyle changes and medications.
Hypertensive Crisis	Your blood pressure is considered a hypertensive crisis if your blood pressure readings suddenly exceed 180/120 mm Hg. If you get this type of blood pressure reading, wait five minutes and then test your blood pressure again. If your readings are still unusually high, contact your doctor immediately. But if you also have other symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, difficulty speaking, a change in vision, and any numbness/weakness in your face, arms, and/or legs, call 911 immediately, as this could indicate a heart attack or stroke.

Getting blood pressure readings from your doctor

One high blood pressure reading is typically not enough for your doctor to make a diagnosis of hypertension. Your doctor will often need to see you at least three times to see a pattern of high blood pressure readings to diagnose hypertension:

An initial reading will be taken at the first visit.
An average of at least two properly measured readings will be taken at your next visit.
An average of at least two more properly measured readings will be taken at a third visit.

After your doctor has recorded high blood pressure readings during each visit, you should discuss treatment options for hypertension to prevent complications. Your doctor may also ask you to log your blood pressure levels by purchasing and using an inexpensive monitor for home use.

Monitoring your blood pressure

When you measure your blood pressure at home, it's important to ensure you know how to do it correctly to get the most accurate measurement each time. Keep the following factors in mind before you measure your blood pressure:

Avoid blood pressure-increasing activities for 30 minutes before – Don't exercise, drink any caffeinated beverages (like coffee, tea, or soda), or smoke 30 minutes before you take your blood pressure.
Make sure your upper arm is not covered in clothing – For the most accurate blood pressure reading, don't take your blood pressure over clothing. Wear clothes that allow your upper arm to be easily exposed is best.
Remain still – For an accurate reading, you should stay still while taking measurements.
Empty your bladder – Make sure your bladder is empty just before you take your blood pressure.
Sit in the proper position –
- Sit upright with your back straight and supported in a chair with a firm back, such as a dining chair, rather than a cozy sofa.
- Plant your feet flat on the floor, and don't cross your legs.
- Support your arm on a flat surface, such as a desk or table, with your upper arm at your heart level.
- Place the bottom of the blood pressure cuff directly above the bend of your elbow.
- Check your blood pressure monitor's user manual to ensure you've placed the cuff correctly.
- Press the button on your monitor to start the measurement and lower your other arm to rest by your side.
- If you're still unsure if you're measuring your blood pressure correctly, have your doctor show you how to do it.
Take your blood pressure at the same time each day – Measure your blood pressure at the same time every day — such as in the morning, in the afternoon, or in the evening — to ensure the most accurate readings. If your treatment has changed, ask your doctor if you should temporarily stop taking your blood pressure for two weeks after starting a new treatment. And take it daily in the week leading up to your next doctor's appointment.
Take multiple readings and record your readings – In your daily blood pressure measurements, take multiple readings (wait five minutes in between) and record the results in a log. If your blood pressure monitor happens to have a storage option for readings, then you can take your monitor to your doctor's appointments so that your doctor can take a look at them. Some monitors may also be connected to a website and/or an app where your readings are uploaded and stored, allowing for an easier recording of your measurements.