American Heart Association guidance on hypertension

A clinician confirms the diagnosis from properly taken readings rather than a single result. The management plan may combine home monitoring, changes to daily habits and prescribed medicine, depending on the readings and the person's wider health.

A blood pressure reading has an upper value, recorded while the heart contracts, and a lower value, recorded while it relaxes. Readings can change with activity, stress, pain, caffeine and the measurement setting, so repeated measurements provide a clearer picture.

Long-term pressure on artery walls can contribute to stroke, heart failure, angina and kidney damage. Obstructive sleep apnoea, obesity, kidney disease, medicines and other health conditions may influence blood pressure and should be considered during assessment.

Arrange a clinical review if repeated readings are raised. Before measuring at home, sit quietly, support your back and arm, keep both feet on the floor and place a correctly sized cuff on bare skin. Record the values, time and any relevant symptoms for your appointment.

Take prescribed medication consistently and do not stop it because a reading improves. A clinician may also discuss salt intake, regular movement, sleep, smoking, alcohol, body weight and tests of kidney function or cardiovascular risk.

Seek emergency help for chest pressure, severe breathlessness, fainting, a sudden severe headache, new weakness or numbness on one side, facial drooping, confusion, or difficulty speaking. These symptoms require urgent assessment regardless of a recent blood pressure value.

Contact a clinician promptly if home readings remain much higher than your usual range, or if treatment causes troublesome dizziness, swelling or other new symptoms. Do not take extra doses unless a clinician has given you a specific plan.

Ask what blood pressure range you should aim for, how often to check at home, whether your cuff is suitable, and when to report readings. You can also ask whether medicines or conditions such as kidney disease or sleep apnoea could be contributing.