Introduction
Measuring your blood pressure is very straightfoward but making the diagnosis of high blood pressure may not be. The diagnosis has important clinical implications, especially if you are looking to get medical, life, or disability insurance. The diagnosis should not be made in haste and not usually from a single measurement.
Measuring Consistently High Readings
To make sure that you are not inappropriately labeled as having high blood pressure, the BP’s should be checked several times over a period of weeks to months. However, if the value is very high or there is organ damage, then one time may be enough to make the diagnosis.
Confirming the Readings Are Accurate
Sometimes there is concern that the reading in the doctor’s office doesn’t accurately reflect your true blood pressure (white coat hypertension). In this case, it is helpful to make repeated measurements at home, the pharmacy or the grocery store.
Evidence of organ damage consistent with high blood pressure helps confirm the diagnosis and increases the urgency of treament.
