A blood pressure (BP) test examines how much pressure is required to pump blood through the arteries and assesses the size and flexibility of the arteries. Your doctor or nurse can interpret your test results and discuss them with you, however to manage your blood pressure consistently, it is important that you learn how to analyze your own blood pressure readings.
Step 1
Learn what a blood pressure measurement actually is. Blood pressure is measured in milliliters of mercury, shown as mmHg, and is given in two numbers, for example 120/80. These numbers represent systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively. Systolic blood pressure is a measure of the maximum pressure exerted when the heart contracts. Diastolic blood pressure is a measure of the minimum pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest.
Step 2
Know the varying levels of results. Blood pressure is typically assessed in three levels: normal, low and high.
Step 3
Check your results for normalcy. If your systolic BP is less than 120 mmHg and your diastolic BP is less than 80 mmHg, your blood pressure is considered normal. It is likely that you won't need to make any lifestyle adjustments if your blood pressure stays at this level.
Step 4
Check your results for indications of high blood pressure, known as hypertension. If your systolic BP is 140 to 159 mmHg and your diastolic BP is 90 to 99 mmHg, your blood pressure is considered to have characteristics of mild hypertension. You should consider some slight lifestyle adjustments, such as increasing your exercise or eating fewer foods that contain ample amounts of fat. You should discuss other adjustments with your doctor.
Step 5
Check your results for indications of more severe form of hypertension. If your systolic BP is more than 160 mmHg and your diastolic BP is more than 100 mmHg, your blood pressure is characteristic of a more severe form of hypertension. Again, exercise and changes to your eating habits will have a long-lasting effect on your blood pressure, but you may need to take medication, initially, to stabilize your blood pressure. Your doctor can make recommendations on a treatment plan.
Step 6
Check your results for indications of low blood pressure, known as hypotension. If your systolic BP is less than 90 mmHg and your diastolic BP is 25 mmHg lower than normal, your blood pressure is considered to be low. Exercise is another good option for increasing your blood pressure, your blood flow and your metabolism. Your doctor may perform other tests to discern whether a cardiovascular illness is affecting your blood pressure.
Tips and Warnings
- Because various factors can affect readings, it is important that multiple readings are taken each time your blood pressure is tested to get the most accurate results. Simple factors such as walking from the waiting room to the examination room or even anxiety can cause your blood pressure to increase abnormally.
