Methods for Diagnosing High Blood Pressure

Diagnosis of high blood pressure begins when the doctor collects the patient's medical history. The doctor will ask about heart-related disorders in families of patients (eg high blood pressure, coronary heart disease). The doctor also will ask about the patient's lifestyle such as diet, exercise and stress.

In some cases doctors will ask patients to measure their own blood pressure at home and keep a diary of their blood pressure is. This strategy will assist in determining patterns of patients with normal blood pressure and get rid of hypertension caused by anxiety while in the doctor's office. It appears that adults at age 65 years or more, his blood pressure will decrease 2 hours after eating. This is probably due to inaccuracies if the blood pressure readings done at the time. Blood pressure readings are also affected when patients drink coffee or smoke 30 minutes prior to measurement. Patients should also go to the bathroom before the measurement because a full bladder can change the blood pressure readings. Blood pressure was measured by placing the cuff (which is connected with a mercury manometer on the upper arm and using a stethoscope to listen brakhial artery located on the inside of the arm above the elbow. The cuff is pumped fully, so the blood flow will stop short. Then the cuff is slowly deflated so the blood flow will return to normal. At the time air in the cuff is released, the examiner will observe the height of the mercury that falls softly on the mercury manometer and wait until you hear a heartbeat. The exact figure at the time of the first pulse indicates the systolic pressure. When the cuff is shrinking, the height of the mercury will decrease and when the sound of the heartbeat sounded the last time, the numbers on the mercury manometer is the diastolic pressure. Tools and other blood pressure can also be used. Some people use a digital blood pressure. 

The monitor of blood pressure that can be trusted can be obtained for those who are interested to monitor their own blood pressure or other members of their families. When using a monitor, it is very important to consultation with the doctor about the quality of these tools. Generally this digital monitor is the easiest and most reliable but requires periodic checks by using a sphygmomanometer. The researchers also conducted tests of blood pressure monitors 24 hours, with initial studies focused on patients with high of blood pressure who have a high risk for heart attack. 

According to the American Heart Association, an automatic of blood pressure cuffs that are often found in public places such as in drug stores or pharmacies should not be regarded as an accurate tool. Equipment is often not well maintained and can give inaccurate results in many individuals. Ambulatory of blood pressure monitor revealed that in normal individuals, high of blood pressure experienced during the morning and will drop at night (dipping phenomenon). If not found this phenomenon, it is called abnormal and is associated with increased risk of complications in the brain and the heart in patients with or without previous hypertension. 

After the physical examination, some tests can be done, including :

• Urinalaisis and some blood tests (such as electrolytes and wastes) to get rid of impaired renal function. Examination for blood sugar levels and a complete lipid profile including cholesterol levels and also suggested trigliseride done. Other blood tests such as thyroid function and measurement of the number of white blood cells, including calcium and phosphate levels
•   Electrocardiogram (EKG) to measure the heart's electrical activity. By analyzing the EKG, the doctor can see presence of cardiac disorders associated with hypertension (eg left ventricular hypertrophy) that may occur due to the long-standing, high blood pressure are not controlled. Doppler examination also detect abnormalities of heart relaxation (diastolic dysfunction) as a complication of hypertension.

• ·Echocardiogram uses ultrasound waves to visualize the structure and function of the heart. This test is also used to check for other disorders such as left ventricular hypertrophy.
•  Examination of the chest x-ray images to get rid an enlarged heart.

When the diagnosis has been made and other serious problems are like impaired renal function has been eliminated, treatment can be implemented. Although a very high blood pressure require additional tests to get rid of unusual causes. For example, Doppler renal sonogram or scan can be performed to assess the hypertension associated with kidney disease or due to renal artery narrowing. 24-hour urine test may also be needed to get rid endocrine disorders such as Cushing's disease or pheochromocytoma. 

Some people may be also diagnosed with a condition to the contrary, the low blood pressure (hypotension).  Although some people with high blood pressure do not need medication, they can control risk factors such as body weight, and most people require long-term therapy with these drugs.