SHOWCASE MAGAZINE | 2018
pressure checked at least once every five years.
If you’re at an increased risk of high blood pres-
sure, you should have your blood pressure checked
more often – ideally once a year. Having this done is
easy and could save your life. Where to get a blood
pressure test. You can ask for a blood pressure check
– you don’t have to wait to be offered one. You can
also test your blood pressure at home using a home
testing kit. The test kit: a stethoscope, arm cuff,
pump and dial was normally used to measure your
blood pressure, but automatic devices with sensors
and digital displays are commonly used nowadays.
It’s best to sit down with your back supported and
legs uncrossed for at least five minutes before the
test. You’ll usually need to roll up your sleeves or
remove any long-sleeved clothing so the cuff can
be placed around your upper arm. Try to relax and
avoid talking while the test is carried out. During the
test:
• you hold out one of your arms so it’s at the same
level as your heart, and the cuff is placed around it –
your arm should be supported in this position with a
cushion or the arm of a chair, for example
• the cuff is pumped up to restrict the blood flow in
your arm – this squeezing may feel a bit uncomfort-
able, but only lasts a few seconds
• the pressure in the cuff is slowly released and
detectors sense vibrations in your arteries – a doctor
will use a stethoscope to detect these if your blood
pressure is measured manually
• the pressure in the cuff is recorded at two points
as the blood flow starts to return to your arm –
these measurements are used to give your blood
pressure reading. You can usually find out your result
straight away, either from the healthcare profession-
al carrying out the test or on the digital display.
If your blood pressure is high, you may be advised
to record your blood pressure at home to confirm
whether you have high blood pressure. Ambulatory
(24-hour) monitoring. Having a raised blood pres-
sure reading in one test doesn’t necessarily mean
you have high blood pressure. Blood pressure can
fluctuate throughout the day. Feeling anxious or
stressed when you visit your GP can also raise your
blood pressure. If you have a high reading, you may
be asked to take some readings with a home blood
pressure monitor or wear a 24-hour monitor that
checks your blood pressure throughout the day.
This will confirm whether you have consistently high
blood pressure.
This is known as 24-hour or ambulatory blood pres-
sure monitoring (ABPM).
Home testing
Blood pressure tests can also be carried out at home
using your own digital blood pressure monitor.
Like 24-hour or ambulatory monitoring, this can give
a better reflection of your blood pressure. It can also
allow you to monitor your condition more easily in
the long term.
You can buy a variety of low-cost monitors so you
can test your blood pressure at home or while you’re
out and about. It’s important to make sure you use
equipment that has been properly tested. The British
Hypertension Society (BHS) has information about
validated blood pressure monitors that are available
to buy. Understanding your blood pressure reading
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercu-
ry (mmHg) and is given as two figures:
• systolic pressure – the pressure when your heart
pushes blood out
• diastolic pressure – the pressure when your heart
rests between beats
For example, if your blood pressure is “140 over
90”, or 140/90mmHg, it means you have a systolic
pressure of 140mmHg and a diastolic pressure of
90mmHg.
As a general guide:
• high blood pressure is considered to be
140/90mmHg or higher (or an average of
135/85mmHg at home)
• ideal blood pressure is considered to be between
90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg
• low blood pressure is considered to 90/60mmHg
or lower
A blood pressure reading between 120/80mmHg
and 140/90mmHg could mean you’re at risk of de-
veloping high blood pressure if you don’t take steps
to keep your blood pressure under control.
Prevention
High blood pressure can often be prevented or
reduced by eating healthily, maintaining a healthy
weight, taking regular exercise, drinking alcohol
in moderation and not smoking. Cut down on the
amount of salt in your food and eat plenty of fruit
and vegetables. The Eatwell Guide highlights the
different types of food that make up our diet, and
shows the proportions we should eat them in to
have a well-balanced and healthy diet.
Salt raises your blood pressure. The more salt you
eat, the higher your blood pressure. Aim to eat less
than 6g (0.2oz) of salt a day, which is about a tea-
30