Measuring Blood Pressure
Reviewed
Also called: Blood Pressure Reading, Blood Pressure Test, Blood Pressure Screening, Sphygmomanometry
A blood pressure measurement is a test that measures the force (pressure) in your arteries as your heart pumps.
Specimen: Not applicable
Urgent safety information
Seek immediate medical attention or call 911 if your blood pressure is over 180/120 mmHg, you have chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness or weakness, trouble speaking, or vision changes. Seek immediate medical attention or call 911 if you have symptoms of extremely low blood pressure, such as confusion, a weak and rapid pulse, or cold skin.
Emergency numbers on this page are for the United States. Outside the US, call your local emergency number.
Why this test may be ordered
- To screen for high blood pressure during regular checkups
- To monitor how well blood pressure medicines are working
- To check blood pressure before medical or surgical procedures
- To evaluate symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizziness or fainting
- To assess fitness for sports or strenuous activities
Preparation and collection
Tell your provider if you take any medicines, since some medicines may affect your results. To get a more accurate blood pressure measurement, avoid these things for at least 30 minutes before having your blood pressure taken: Exercise, Alcohol, Tobacco products, Food or drinks containing caffeine
Your health care provider will wrap a blood pressure cuff around your arm. Your provider will measure the pressure manually (by hand) or with an automated device. This test only takes about one minute to complete.
You may have a little discomfort when the blood pressure cuff inflates and squeezes your arm. But this feeling only lasts for a few seconds.
Understanding results
Your results, also known as a blood pressure reading, will contain two numbers. The top or first number is the systolic pressure. The bottom or second number is the diastolic pressure.
- Normal: less than 120 and less than 80: Blood pressure readings are also labeled by categories, ranging from normal to crisis. Limitation: Your blood pressure measurement can go up and down. Next step: For more information about home monitoring of blood pressure, talk to your provider.
- High blood pressure on two or more readings: If your blood pressure is high on several different measurements on different days, you might have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Limitation: Your provider will only usually diagnose you with high blood pressure if you have two or more high blood pressure readings on different days. Next step: If you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your provider may recommend: Lifestyle changes and/or medicines to control your blood pressure.
- 90/60 mmHg or lower: If you were tested for low blood pressure, a blood pressure reading of 90 systolic, 60 diastolic (90/60 mmHg) or lower is considered abnormal. Limitation: Many things can change your blood pressure. Next step: Treatments for low blood pressure may include medicines and certain dietary changes.
- A single high reading does not mean you have high blood pressure; diagnosis usually requires two or more high readings on different days.
- Nervousness about having blood pressure taken at a provider's office (white coat syndrome) can cause a temporary rise in blood pressure, making results less accurate.
- The test measures pressure at one moment and can vary based on activity, stress, or time of day.
- For children under 13, results are compared to age-, sex-, and height-specific norms, which may not be directly comparable to adult categories.
What to do next
For more information about home monitoring of blood pressure, talk to your provider.
- What is my blood pressure reading and what category does it fall into?
- How often should I have my blood pressure checked?
- Do I need to monitor my blood pressure at home? If so, what type of monitor should I use?
- What lifestyle changes can help me manage my blood pressure?
- What symptoms should prompt me to seek emergency care?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.