(Hypertension)
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- What is high blood pressure?
- Symptoms of high blood pressure
- Causes of high blood pressure
- Prevention of high blood pressure
- Risk factors for high blood pressure
- Complications of high blood pressure
- When to see a doctor about high blood pressure
- Diagnosis of high blood pressure
- Conventional treatment of high blood pressure
- Alternative/complementary treatment of high blood pressure
- Living with high blood pressure
- Caregiving for someone with high blood pressure
Diagnosis of high blood pressure
High blood pressure is diagnosed mainly through one test:
- Blood pressure test - this is the only test which gives an accurate reading of blood pressure. This test should be used on a regular basis to provide readings of blood pressure. There are blood pressure monitors which can be purchased at pharmacies and which give an accurate digital reading of blood pressure that people can use at home between visits to the doctor to monitor their own blood pressure
The doctor will also ask a series of questions about symptoms (if there are any) and will recommend a series of blood tests to determine if there is an underlying heart condition or other condition.
Other tests that can be used to diagnose high blood pressure:
- Blood tests - to determine levels of various hormones, electrolytes (including sodium), cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatine to determine if there is an underlying heart condition or another condition which is causing the high blood pressure
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) - this is a test to measure the electrical activity of the heart by wires which are attached to specific points on the body and then the heart's electrical activity is measured to determine if it is functioning correctly, or if there is an underlying heart condition which is causing the high blood pressure
- Ultrasound - if necessary this test can identify problems with the kidneys and adrenal glands, both of which can cause higher blood pressure readings, if they are not functioning correctly and absorbing too much sodium (and not releasing it through the kidneys and urine)
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< 7:when to see a doctor 9:conventional treatment > Last reviewed: 21 August 2007 || Last updated: 10 January 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
