A blood pressure test determines whether your blood pressure is normal, or if it is abnormally high or low. Blood pressure is a word that refers to the force exerted by your blood against the walls of your arteries as it is pushed throughout your body. “How do I check my blood pressure in Bebington?” Continue reading for more information.

Although low blood pressure (hypotension) is rarely a concern, it can induce dizziness and fainting in certain people.

Hypertension (High blood pressure)

Adults over the age of 40 who are in good health should have their blood pressure measured at least once every five years. If you have a greater chance of developing high blood pressure, you should have it checked more frequently, preferably once a year.

If left untreated, high blood pressure (hypertension) increases your chance of developing catastrophic illnesses including heart attacks and strokes.

This is a simple procedure that could save your life.

What tests are used to check my blood pressure in Bebington?

Your pharmacist will review your medical history and do a physical examination. They will then will wrap an elasticated arm cuff over your arm and use a pressure-measuring gauge to take your blood pressure.

Typically, your blood pressure should be taken in both arms to ascertain if there is a difference. It is critical to utilise an arm cuff that is the proper size.

Blood pressure readings are classified into the following categories:

– Normal Blood pressure. If your blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg, it is considered normal.
– Elevated Blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure between 120 and 129 mm Hg and diastolic pressure less than (but not greater than) 80 mm Hg.
– Hypertension in the first stage. This type of hypertension is when a systolic pressure is 130–139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure is 80–89 mm Hg.
– Stage 2 Hypertension. Stage 2 hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or greater, or diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or above.
– Hypertensive crisis. A blood pressure reading greater than 180/120 mm Hg is considered an emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

Tests to check my blood pressure in Bebington

If you have hypertension, your pharmacist may offer testing to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other possible causes.

– Ambulatory surveillance. This 24-hour blood pressure monitoring typically determines whether or not you have hypertension. This test takes your blood pressure at regular times over a 24-hour period and gives a more accurate picture of how your blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day and night.
– Laboratory tests. A urine test (urinalysis) with blood tests, as well as a cholesterol test, may be recommended by your doctor.
– Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This short and painless test monitors the electrical activity of your heart.
– Your pharmacist may schedule echocardiography to check for other indicators of heart disease based on your clinical symptoms and test results.

What are the five signs of hypertension? (When to check my blood pressure in Bebington)

If your blood pressure is exceptionally high, you should be aware of the following symptoms:

– Intense headaches
– Confusion or fatigue
– Issues with vision
– Pain in the chest
– Breathing difficulties and irregular heartbeat

It is never too soon to start making healthy lifestyle choices such as stopping smoking, consuming more nutritious meals, and increasing physical activity. These are the primary techniques to safeguard yourself from hypertension and its complications, which include heart attack and stroke.

Learn how to manage your weight in our previous blog post here:

Manage Your Weight

How to properly read your blood pressure

Blood pressure is expressed as a two-digit figure in millimetres of mercury (mmHg):

– Systolic pressure – the force exerted by the heart as it pushes blood out.
– Diastolic pressure – the pressure that exists between heartbeats.

Always start with the highest number, which is the systolic pressure. For instance, “120 over 80” or 120/80mmHg indicates a systolic pressure of 120mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 80mmHg.

As a rough guide:

– Normal blood pressure is when the readings are 90/60mmHg to 120/80mmHg.
– Blood pressure that is 140/90mmHg or above is considered to be hypertensive.
– Low blood pressure is when the readings are 90/60mmHg or below.
– If your blood pressure level is between 120/80 and 140/90mmHg, you could be at risk of developing hypertension. There are several things you may take to help prevent hypertension.

You may interpret your blood pressure test results using the NHS calculator.

Pregnancy-related High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can occur in some circumstances during pregnancy. Pregnancy-related hypertension manifests itself in a variety of ways. Numerous factors may contribute to the cause, including the following:

– Obesity
– Chronic hypertension
– Diabetes
– Kidney Disease
– Lupus
– IVF and other pregnancy-related services
– Being a teenager or being past the age of 40
– Carrying several children (e.g. twins)
– Being pregnant for the first time

Call or visit us to get a test today!

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This blog post was written on behalf of The Pharmacy Bebington by Pharmacy Mentor.