how is the diagnosis of hypertension made?

To diagnose hypertension, the doctor generally performs a thorough physical examination and checks the person’s medical history. He will assess the risk factors whether the person smokes, is overweight or have high cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

He will measure the blood pressure either in a sphygmomanometer or an electronic device. A reading of 120/80 mm Hg or below is considered normal. Blood pressure ranging between 120-129 /80 mm Hg is considered elevated and any number above this can indicate hypertension.

Blood pressure fluctuates widely depending on a number of physical and emotional factors. Age, activity and medications also cause a variation in blood pressure. Therefore, a single high reading cannot indicate hypertension.

For that, blood pressure should be measured at different times of the day while the person is at rest at least for 5 minutes. A final diagnosis of hypertension can be made if at least 3 elevated readings are recorded.

Image courtesy: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org