Table of Contents
How does a doctor diagnose hypertension?
Your doctor can diagnose hypertension by checking your blood pressure. It is a very simple test that takes only a few minutes. Usually an inflatable upper arm cuff with a gauge is used. Your doctor or other medical professional will slide the blood pressure cuff to just above your elbow on your bare arm.
Do doctors tell you if you have high blood pressure?
If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend tests to confirm the diagnosis and check for underlying conditions that can cause hypertension. Ambulatory monitoring. This 24-hour blood pressure monitoring test is used to confirm if you have high blood pressure.
What do doctors do for very high blood pressure?
Diuretics are often recommended as the first line of therapy for most people who have high blood pressure. However, your doctor may start a medicine other than a diuretic as the first line of therapy if you have certain medical problems. For example, ACE inhibitors are often a choice for people with diabetes.
What are the stages of hypertension?
Doctors classify blood pressure into four categories: normal, prehypertension (mild), stage 1 (moderate) and stage 2 (severe). Treatment depends on which category your pressure consistently falls in when readings are taken.
What blood test are looked at for hypertension?
Blood tests, including measurement of electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine levels (to assess kidney involvement) Lipid profile for levels of various kinds of cholesterol. Special tests for hormones of the adrenal gland or thyroid gland. Urine tests for electrolytes and hormones.
How does hypertension make you feel?
In some cases, people with high blood pressure may have a pounding feeling in their head or chest, a feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness, or other signs. Without symptoms, people with high blood pressure may go years without knowing they have the condition.