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What is blood pressure measurement?
To ensure your blood can reach and nourish your vital organs, your heart beats and pumps blood around your body. This creates a force within your circulation and this is measured as your blood pressure. High blood pressure is usually caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, such as smoking, drinking excessive alcohol, lack of exercise and being overweight. Your blood pressure can also be raised in diabetes and kidney disease. In some cases high blood pressure can also run in families.
What's included in a blood pressure check?
We'll do a blood pressure check. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of Mercury (mmHg) and there are two measurements: Systolic pressure is when the heart pushes blood out. This is your top figure of your blood pressure measurement Diastolic pressure is when your heart rests in between beats. This is your bottom figure of your blood pressure test So, a blood pressure reading of 120/ 80 means a systolic pressure of 120 and a diastolic pressure of 80.
Blood pressure check
Blood pressure test results
You’ll receive your results at your appointment and a doctor reviewed report showing the value of normal blood pressure and whether your results are within this normal range. You’ll also receive personalised recommendations on how to stay healthy.
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A normal blood pressure value should be between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg
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A high blood pressure value is 140/90 mmHg or above
Anything in between means that your blood pressure is higher than it should be, and therefore should be monitored regularly. You’ll also need to start leading a healthier lifestyle.
For a guide on how to measure your blood pressure, take a look at the excellent blood pressure UK site.
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Frequently asked questions
You can get your blood pressure checked at a private clinic like Health Klinix, or alternatively you can see your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist.
As you will only be attending for a blood pressure measurement, it will be quick, just 10 minutes.
No, but you’ll need to be relaxed at the time of your appointment so please attend your appointment with plenty of time to spare. You’ll also need to avoid exercise, alcohol, smoking, medication, eating, or taking caffeine for 30 minutes before your appointment, as all of these can raise your blood pressure.
Yes, you can eat and drink before but it's best to avoid food and caffeinated drinks for at least 30 minutes before your blood pressure check.
You'll be given a result immediately but also have access to your blood pressure measurement through our secure client portal.
Any results outside the normal range are reviewed by our doctors and discussed with you and we may ask you to contact your GP for further assessment.
Many people with high blood pressure don't have any symptoms and yet it can lead to long-term health conditions, such as heart disease and stroke. Untreated high blood pressure can also damage your kidneys and eyes. It's therefore vital that you should have your blood pressure checked regularly.
Everyone should get their blood pressure checked regularly, even if they feel healthy. Other reasons to have your blood pressure checked would include a family history of high blood pressure, you have diabetes or you're experiencing the symptoms below:
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Headaches
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Blurred vision
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Chest pain
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Shortness of breath
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Authors:
Dr Ravi Gowda, Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine
MBBS, MRCP(UK), DTM&H, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, DFFP
Caitlin Lancaster, BSc
Resources: