High Blood Pressure: Home BP Check and When to See a Doctor

High blood pressure (hypertension) rarely causes symptoms, which is why it is often called a silent condition. Many people find out only after it has already affected the heart, brain, kidneys or eyes. Checking your blood pressure regularly, and checking it the right way, is one of the simplest things you can do for your heart.

What the numbers mean

A reading has two numbers, for example 120/80 mmHg. The first (systolic) is the pressure when the heart beats. The second (diastolic) is the pressure between beats.

• Below 120/80: normal for most adults.

• 120-139 / 80-89: higher than ideal. Lifestyle changes help, and your doctor may want to check it more often.

• 140/90 or higher on repeated readings: high blood pressure. See a doctor. Some guidelines, and your doctor, may use a lower level such as 130/80, especially if you have diabetes, kidney disease or heart disease.

One high reading does not mean you have hypertension. Doctors look at several readings taken on different days.

How to check blood pressure at home, the right way

• Use an automatic monitor with an upper-arm cuff. Wrist monitors are less reliable. Make sure the cuff is the right size for your arm.

• Avoid tea, coffee, smoking and exercise for 30 minutes before, and empty your bladder.

• Sit on a chair with your back supported, feet flat on the floor and legs uncrossed. Rest quietly for five minutes.

• Rest your arm on a table so the cuff is at the level of your heart. Put the cuff on bare skin, not over a sleeve.

• Do not talk or use your phone during the reading.

• Take two readings, one minute apart, in the morning before medicines and again in the evening, for about a week before a doctor's visit. Write down each reading with the date and time.

Bring this record and your monitor to your appointment. The doctor can compare your monitor with the clinic machine.

When high blood pressure is an emergency

Call 112 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department if your blood pressure is very high (around 180/120 or above) and you have any of these: chest pain, breathlessness, a sudden severe headache, confusion, weakness or numbness of the face, an arm or a leg, difficulty speaking, or sudden problems with your vision. Do not wait to recheck at home.

Everyday habits that lower blood pressure

• Cut down on salt. The WHO advises less than 5 g of salt a day in total, about one teaspoon. Much of it comes from pickles, papad, chips, packaged snacks, instant noodles and restaurant food.

• Eat more vegetables, fruit, dal and whole grains.

• Be active: a brisk walk for about 30 minutes on most days helps.

• Keep a healthy weight, especially around the waist.

• Stop smoking and chewing tobacco, and limit alcohol.

• Sleep well, and find ways to manage stress.

If your doctor prescribes medicine, take it every day. Do not stop it or change the dose on your own because the readings look normal: they may be normal because of the medicine.

When to see a doctor or cardiologist

• your home readings are often 140/90 or higher

• you already take blood pressure medicine but the readings stay high, or you feel dizzy or unwell on it

• you have diabetes, kidney disease or high cholesterol, or a family history of early heart disease or stroke

• you notice palpitations, breathlessness on exertion, swelling of the feet or chest discomfort (if the discomfort is severe or sudden, treat it as an emergency)

• high blood pressure was found at a young age, or during pregnancy

The doctor may advise an ECG and blood and urine tests, such as blood sugar, kidney function, cholesterol and electrolytes, to see how blood pressure is affecting your body and to look for causes.

Blood pressure care at MCR Polyclinic in Behala

At MCR Super Speciality Polyclinic & Pathology, near Behala Tram Depot, physicians and cardiologists see patients with high blood pressure, including cardiologists Dr. Suman Halder and Dr. Bimal Kahar. ECG and Holter monitoring are done at the clinic, and blood tests at our pathology lab. See the Cardiology page for doctors' days and timings.

Related reading: gas or heart attack? Chest pain warning signs and ECG and Holter monitoring: what the tests show.

Questions people ask

Can I have high blood pressure and feel perfectly well?

Yes. Most people with high blood pressure feel well, which is why regular checks matter. Adults should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year after the age of 40, or as often as their doctor advises.

Is a reading of 130/85 high?

It is above the ideal range. It is not usually treated with medicine straight away, but it is a signal to cut salt, stay active and check again. Your doctor will advise based on your overall risk.

Which home monitor should I buy?

Choose an automatic upper-arm monitor that has been clinically validated, with a cuff that fits your arm. Your doctor can help you check its readings.

Sources

World Health Organization (Hypertension fact sheet); NHS (High blood pressure).

How to book

For a blood pressure or heart check-up, book a clinic appointment or call/WhatsApp +91 9830525004.

MCR Super Speciality Polyclinic & Pathology, 11A, Sourin Roy Road, near Behala Tram Depot, beside Ellora Cinema Hall, Behala, Kolkata 700034. Open Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 8 PM (Sunday closed).

General information: This article is general information and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.