Blood pressure typically is stated as a set of two numbers that correspond to the pressure in your arteries at different points during the heartbeat cycle. High blood pressure can put a person at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including angina, heart attack and stroke. Blood pressure can be taken manually, using a special cuff and a stethoscope, or by a machine.
Step 1
Identify your systolic pressure. This is the higher of your two blood pressure numbers; it represents the maximum pressure in your arteries (when your heart is actively pumping). Blood pressure readings may be reported as "110 over 70," for example; the systolic blood pressure is the top number--110 in this case.
Your systolic pressure ideally should be below 120 mmHg, or millimeters of mercury, a unit of measurement commonly used for blood pressure. Systolic numbers between 120 and 139 are, according to MedlinePlus, considered to be indicative of pre-hypertension. Numbers between 140 and 159 are considered mild hypertension, with anything above that regarded as severe high blood pressure.
Step 2
Determine your diastolic number. This will be the lower of your two blood pressure numbers and is a measurement of minimum arterial pressure, when your heart is resting. The diastolic pressure is the second, or bottom, number--70 in the above example.
Ideally, this number should be below 80. Numbers in the 80s indicate pre-hypertension, in the 90s indicate mild hypertension and over 100 is thought of as severe high blood pressure.
Step 3
Make sure your blood pressure was read accurately. Blood pressure typically is measured in the upper arm, with the arm resting at heart level. Measuring blood pressure with the arm in the wrong position, or measuring it from other areas of the body (such as the ankle or leg) can cause your numbers to change significantly. For example, blood pressure measurements in the leg typically are higher because of the effects of gravity. Also make sure your blood pressure was obtained using a properly sized cuff, as using the wrong size can cause your numbers to be higher or lower than normal.
Step 4
Take repeated measurements to establish a pattern. One set of blood pressure numbers on its own is inconclusive, because blood pressure can vary significantly from one reading to the next within the course of a week. Stress or anxiety, including anxiety caused by going to the doctor, can raise your blood pressure, as can caffeine or nicotine consumption. Make sure you get multiple measurements during different parts of the day over the course of a week.
