High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a widespread and severe health issue affecting millions globally. It arises when the pressure of blood against artery walls becomes excessively high, posing risks to vital organs like the heart, eyes, kidneys, and brain. Importantly, hypertension often develops silently. It shows no noticeable symptoms. Hence, regular monitoring and high blood pressure diagnosis by your doctor are crucial.
This article will explore the methods for detecting high blood pressure and the diagnostic tests employed to identify this condition.
Diagnosis of High Blood Pressure
Let's discover how is high blood pressure detected. First, your cardiologist will measure your blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer. This device comprises a cuff that wraps around your arm and a gauge that shows the pressure in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg).
The cuff is inflated to squeeze your arm and then slowly deflated while the gauge records the highest (systolic) and lowest (diastolic) pressures. Your blood pressure is expressed as systolic over diastolic, such as 120/80 mm Hg.
Electrocardiogram:
An ECG or EKG is a simple heart test to check your heart's electrical activity. It is painless and involves attaching electrodes to your skin. These electrodes record the electrical signals that make your heartbeat. It helps doctors detect various heart conditions but does not directly measure blood pressure. Instead, it diagnoses heart conditions like irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, or other heart problems.
Electrocardiogram:
An Echocardiogram, often called an Echo, is a non-invasive test used to examine your heart's structure and how it functions. It employs sound waves to create detailed images of your heart, helping doctors assess its health. An Echo can reveal problems like valve issues, heart muscle abnormalities, or fluid around the heart. By analysing these parameters, your doctor can detect if you have high blood pressure.
Ambulatory Monitoring:
Ambulatory monitoring involves wearing a portable blood pressure monitor for an extended period, usually 24 hours. This device records your blood pressure at regular intervals throughout the day and night. It offers a comprehensive view of your blood pressure patterns in your daily life. It helps doctors assess if your blood pressure remains consistently high, especially during daily activities and sleep, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.
Lab Tests:
Lab tests can help in high blood pressure diagnosis by detecting underlying conditions. These tests may cover blood tests to measure cholesterol levels, kidney function, and blood sugar levels. High cholesterol levels, kidney problems, or diabetes can increase your risk of high blood pressure.
Eye Exam:
An eye examination can sometimes detect signs of high blood pressure. During the exam, the eye doctor may observe changes in the blood vessels in your eyes, such as narrowing, thickening, or bleeding. These changes can indicate high blood pressure's impact on the small blood vessels in your body.
Conclusion
High blood pressure is a severe medical condition that can raise the threat of heart ailment, stroke, kidney failure, and other health problems. It is usually called the "silent killer" because it generally has no symptoms until it causes damage to your organs. Therefore, it is vital to ensure a quick high blood pressure diagnosis.
Also, prioritise your health and consider Health Insurance for comprehensive coverage and peace of mind. You may also have health insurance to ensure better treatment.