Readings can vary if the cuff is too big or too small. Some blood pressure cuffs automatically inflate and measure your pulse. In this case, a stethoscope is not needed. If your blood pressure is high or low, you'll need to have at least three more blood pressure tests, spaced at least a week apart, to determine if you need treatment.
Blood pressure can vary from moment to moment and day to day. Your doctor, nurse or technician can tell you your blood pressure results immediately after the test. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury mm Hg. A blood pressure measurement has two numbers:.
Here's a look at blood pressure categories and what they mean. If your top and bottom numbers fall into two different ranges, your correct blood pressure category is the higher one. If lifestyle changes do not successfully manage your blood pressure, your doctor may recommend medication.
If you have low blood pressure, your symptoms will depend on the cause. Together, you and your doctor can discuss the best treatment for you. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview A blood pressure test measures the pressure in your arteries as your heart pumps. More Information Cardiogenic shock Elevated blood pressure High blood pressure hypertension Low blood pressure hypotension Multiple system atrophy MSA Orthostatic hypotension postural hypotension Premature birth Secondary hypertension Subconjunctival hemorrhage broken blood vessel in eye Transient ischemic attack TIA Type 1 diabetes Vascular dementia Show more related information.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Understanding blood pressure readings. American Heart Association. Accessed March 26, An at-home blood pressure monitor usually includes a blood pressure cuff and a digital device to record and display blood pressure readings.
Home monitoring is not a replacement for regular visits to your provider. But it can provide important information, such as whether treatment is working or your condition may have worsened.
Also, home monitoring may make the test less stressful. Many people get nervous about getting their blood pressure taken at a provider's office. This is called "white coat syndrome. For more information about home monitoring of blood pressure, talk to your provider.
Treatments for low blood pressure may include medicines and making certain changes to your diet. If you were diagnosed with high blood pressure, your provider may recommend one or more of the following lifestyle changes.
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Measuring Blood Pressure. What is a blood pressure measurement? Blood pressure is measured as two numbers: Systolic blood pressure the first and higher number measures pressure inside your arteries when the heart beats.
Diastolic blood pressure the second and lower number measures the pressure inside the artery when the heart rests between beats. What is it used for? A blood pressure measurement is most often used to diagnose high blood pressure.
Why do I need a blood pressure test? What happens during a blood pressure test? A blood pressure test includes the following steps: You will sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. You will rest your arm on a table or other surface, so your arm is level with your heart. You may be asked to roll up your sleeve. Your provider will wrap a blood pressure cuff around your arm.
A blood pressure cuff is a strap-like device. It should fit snugly around your upper arm, with the bottom edge placed just above your elbow. Your provider will inflate the blood pressure cuff using a small hand pump or by pressing a button on an automated device. Your provider will measure the pressure manually by hand or with an automated device.
If manually, he or she will place a stethoscope over the major artery in your upper arm to listen to the blood flow and pulse as the cuff inflates and deflates. If using an automated device, the blood pressure cuff automatically inflates, deflates, and measures pressure.
As the blood pressure cuff inflates, you'll feel it tighten around your arm. Your provider will then open a valve on the cuff to slowly release air from it. Use this printable and shareable list of questions to ask your health care team to help you manage your blood pressure. Share this graphic with family and friends to show them the correct way to measure blood pressure. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.
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On This Page. Why do I need to measure my blood pressure? Where can I get my blood pressure checked? What affects a blood pressure reading? What is the correct way to measure blood pressure? How do health care professionals measure my blood pressure?
How can I measure my blood pressure at home? How often should I measure my blood pressure? What should I do if my blood pressure numbers are high? Heart disease and stroke statistics update: a report from the American Heart Association external icon. Circulation ;e J Hypertension ;35 3 —
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