how to tell if a patient has hypertension lab report

Monitor your blood pressure over a period of weeks to months. Realize that one reading does not confirm you have hypertension. A diagnosis of hypertension requires at least three measurements above 140/90 at least three weeks apart between the first and third measurement. Blood pressure should be consistently elevated to diagnose hypertension.

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How to diagnose hypertension?

Blood carrying oxygen and nutrients could not reach the renal system because of the constricted blood vessels. Assessment of the patient with hypertension must be detailed and thorough. There are also diagnostic tests that can be performed to establish the diagnosis of hypertension. Perform physical examination as appropriate.

Which lab tests are used in the evaluation of hypertension (high blood pressure)?

Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine and urinalysis to look for kidney damage. Serum sodium, potassium, calcium, and thyroid-stimulating hormone to look for an endocrine cause for the hypertension, such as Conn's syndrome.

What should be included in the initial physical exam for hypertension?

Immediately, after hypertension diagnosis, your initial physical examination should include: Need to take three blood pressure measurements (ignore the first) on three separate occasions with the patient seated, back and arm supported. Measure BP in both arms, if the values are different, the higher value should use subsequently.

How do I know if I have high blood pressure (HBP)?

The only way to know if you have high blood pressure (HBP, or hypertension) is to have your blood pressure tested. Understanding your results is key to controlling high blood pressure. Healthy and unhealthy blood pressure ranges Learn what’s considered normal, as recommended by the American Heart Association.

How to diagnose high blood pressure?

The best way to diagnose high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) is to have your blood pressure measured. A blood pressure reading is taken with a pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer). During the test, the cuff is placed around the upper arm before being manually or electronically inflated.

What does the bottom number mean on a blood pressure chart?

Diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) — indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls while the heart is resting between beats. Learn more about what your blood pressure numbers mean.

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Isolated systolic hypertension is present when the blood pressure is ≥140/<90 mmHg and isolated diastolic hypertension is considered to be present when the blood pressure is <140/≥90 mmHg.

About This Article

This article was co-authored by Chris M. Matsko, MD. Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence.

How long to wait to test blood pressure?

This stage of high blood pressure requires medical attention. If your blood pressure readings suddenly exceed 180/120 mm Hg, wait five minutes and then test your blood pressure again. If your readings are still unusually high, contact your doctor immediately. You could be experiencing a hypertensive crisis.

What happens if your blood pressure is higher than 180?

If your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg and you are experiencing signs of possible organ damage such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking, do not wait to see if your pressure comes down on its own. Call 911.

What is the stage 1 of hypertension?

Hypertension Stage 1 is when blood pressure consistently ranges from 130-139 systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic. At this stage of high blood pressure, doctors are likely to prescribe lifestyle changes and may consider adding blood pressure medication based on your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), such as heart attack or stroke.

Is systolic blood pressure normal?

Systolic is less than 120 and my diastolic is less than 80. Great job! Your blood pressure is normal. To keep your readings in this range, stick with heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. Systolic is 120 – 129 and my diastolic is less than 80. The good news is that you don’t have high blood pressure.

What tests are done to check for high blood pressure?

These tests may include the following: Blood tests , including measurement of electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine levels (to assess kidney involvement)

What is BP test?

Blood pressure (BP) is classified as follows by the American Heart Association: Tests may be ordered by your health care provider to check for causes of high blood pressure and to assess any organ damage from high blood pressure or its treatment. These tests may include the following:

What is the purpose of a CT scan of the abdomen?

Ultrasound of the kidneys, CT scan of the abdomen, or both, to assess damage or enlargement of the kidneys and adrenal glands. Any of the following may be performed to detect damage to the heart or blood vessels: Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a noninvasive test that detects the electrical activity of the heart and records it on paper. ...

What is a sphygmomanometer?

Your health care provider will use a blood pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer). This device consists of a gauge and a rubber cuff that is placed around your arm and inflated. Having your blood pressure measured is painless and takes just a few minutes.

What is a lipid profile?

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. A noninvasive, painless eye examination with an ophthalmoscope will look for ocular damage.

What is the difference between a chest X-ray and a Doppler ultrasound?

A plain chest X-ray primarily provides an estimate of the size of the heart, but it is much less specific than echocardiography, which provides more detail. Doppler ultrasound is used to check blood flow through arteries at pulse points in your arms, legs, hands, and feet.

Can a vascular artery be detected in a person with high blood pressure?

This is an accurate way to detect peripheral vascular disease, a common finding in people with high blood pressure. It also can depict the arteries to both kidneys and sometimes depicts narrowings that can lead to high BP in a minority of patients.

Why do you need a blood test for hypertension?

Kidney Function Test. Blood tests for hypertension are generally done annually to either diagnose or to monitor the response to treatment for hypertension. Yet, you must consult the doctor if you notice any abnormalities in the test results even if they are done as a routine screening.

How long does it take to fast for a blood test for hypertension?

Blood tests for hypertension generally do not require any specific preparation except if you are asked to undergo a lipid profile test or a thyroid function test which needs overnight fasting of at least 10-12 hours.

How long does it take for a blood swab to stop bleeding?

You will be required to apply slight pressure over the swab for about 10-15 minutes until the bleeding stops. Since no major procedure is carried out, you will be able to resume work or return to your regular routine immediately after the blood is collected.

How long before blood work can you smoke?

Continuation or discontinuation of some regular medications before the test must be ascertained by your doctor. Avoid smoking or consuming alcohol at least 24 hours before the test as these may interfere with test results.

What is the cause of essential hypertension?

The cause of this type of hypertension is mostly unknown but can also occur due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Why is hypertension so prevalent in India?

The prevalence of hypertension in India is considerably high owing to lifestyle changes, low awareness among people, lack of medical facilities and poor control.

Can blood pressure be diagnosed with hypertension?

Once you are diagnosed with hypertension (the basis of diagnosis is mentioned above), your doctor may advise you to undergo certain laboratory tests. These blood tests do not directly diagnose high blood pressure. But the levels of certain minerals, ions, hormones and certain other blood constituents such as cholesterol help to detect ...