A blood pressure test checks if your blood pressure is healthy, or if it's high or low. Blood pressure is the term used to describe the strength with which your blood pushes on the sides of your arteries as it's pumped around your body. Low blood pressure (hypotension) is not usually a problem, al...
When and where to get your blood pressure tested You should have a blood pressure test if you're worried about your blood pressure at any time. If you're over 40, you can have this test done as part of an NHS Health Check, which is offered to adults in England aged...
How blood pressure is tested Blood pressure machines vary, but they're all a type of measuring device, which often have an arm cuff attached to it. The cuff is usually wrapped around your upper arm and filled with air until it feels tight. This can feel uncomfort...
How blood pressure is measured Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is given as 2 numbers:systolic pressure – the pressure when your heart pushes blood out around your bodydiastolic pressure – the pressure when your heart rests betwee...
Understanding your blood pressure reading Your blood pressure reading can tell you how healthy your blood pressure is. Information: If you have a recent blood pressure reading use the NHS Check your blood pressure tool to...
Testing your blood pressure at home Your GP may suggest 24-hour or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) if they think you may have high blood pressure (hypertension). ABPM tests your blood pressure regularly over 24 hours, by using a cuff attached to a porta...