To know if you have high blood pressure, the only accurate way is to have your blood pressure measured using a blood pressure cuff by a healthcare professional or with a reliable home blood pressure monitor. Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers: the systolic pressure (top number) measuring pressure when your heart beats, and the diastolic pressure (bottom number) measuring pressure between beats. High blood pressure (hypertension) is diagnosed when your blood pressure readings are consistently at or above 130/80 mm Hg. The stages are:
- Stage 1 hypertension: systolic 130-139 or diastolic 80-89 mm Hg
- Stage 2 hypertension: systolic 140 or higher or diastolic 90 or higher mm Hg
High blood pressure often has no symptoms, which is why it is called the "silent killer." Some severe cases or hypertensive emergencies may have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or numbness, but you cannot rely on symptoms alone to know if you have high blood pressure. For an accurate diagnosis, multiple readings taken on separate occasions are recommended. Measuring your blood pressure regularly is key to knowing if you have high blood pressure and managing it effectively.
