You can buy your own device for measuring your blood pressure at home. You measure your blood pressure morning and evening, each time after resting for five minutes. You can measure your blood pressure yourself at home for four to seven days.For more information, see our FAQ on 24-hour monitoring. This is called ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). You can wear a device on your arm for 24 hours as you carry on normal activities.If your blood pressure is high, they may recommend you have more readings over a longer period. Your GP or nurse will probably check your blood pressure several times during a visit. To watch how blood pressure is taken, see our video above. Try to relax – it may be a little uncomfortable but that’s only for a few moments. Or your doctor might take a reading using a stethoscope held against your arm to listen to the blood flow. The latest automated, digital devices make it quick and easy to check your blood pressure. Everyone should know their blood pressure. You may be able to get this done at your local pharmacy. It’s good to get your blood pressure checked at least every five years. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have it measured. A reading of around 120/80mmHg is seen as healthy – above 140/90mmHg is considered high. Your blood pressure is shown as two numbers, measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). This is when your heart relaxes between beats and fills with blood. The lowest level (diastolic blood pressure).This is when your heart muscle contracts and pumps blood out through the arteries. The highest level (systolic blood pressure).For more information, see our section on causes.īlood pressure is measured at two points. But most of the time there’s no obvious cause. Sometimes high blood pressure is caused by another health problem you already have. The medical name for high blood pressure is hypertension. Other parts of your body, such as your brain and your kidneys may also be affected by high blood pressure. But if it’s always too high, it puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. You need some pressure to keep your blood moving. Every time your heart beats, it pumps blood under pressure to the rest of your body through your arteries.
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