Early high blood pressure: between 120/80 and 130/80.

The second number is the pressure when the vessels relax between heartbeats.

Health care providers call this the 'systolic' pressure. The first number is the pressure as your heart beats and pushes blood through the blood vessels. Your doctor records your blood pressure as two numbers, such as 120/80, which you may hear them say as '120 over 80.' Both numbers are important.

If your GP has suggested you drop in your home readings please feel welcome to submit them using the online form as above.Blood pressure is the force of blood flow inside your blood vessels. We then ignore the first day's readings and calculate the average blood pressure for days 2-7. National guidelines recommend that the most reliable way to record average home blood pressure is to record the lowest of 2-3 readings taken morning and evening for 7 consecutive days. The British Hypertension Society (BHS) has information about validated blood pressure monitors that are available to buy. It's important to make sure you use equipment that has been properly tested. You can buy a variety of low-cost monitors so you can test your blood pressure at home or while you're out and about. It can also allow you to monitor your condition more easily in the long term. This can give a better reflection of your blood pressure, as being tested in somewhere like a GP surgery can make you feel anxious and can affect the result. You can usually find out your result straight away, either from the healthcare professional carrying out the test or on the digital display.īlood pressure tests can also be carried out at home using your own digital blood pressure monitor. the pressure in the cuff is recorded at two points as the blood flow starts to return to your arm – these measurements are used to give your blood pressure reading (see below).the pressure in the cuff is slowly released while a stethoscope is used to listen to your pulse (digital devices use sensors to detect vibrations in your arteries).the cuff is pumped up to restrict the blood flow in your arm – this squeezing may feel a bit uncomfortable, but only lasts a few seconds.you hold out one of your arms so it's at the same level as your heart, and the cuff is placed around it – your arm should be supported in this position, such as with a cushion or arm of a chair.Try to relax and avoid talking while the test is carried out. You'll usually need to roll up your sleeves or remove any long-sleeved clothing, so the cuff can be placed around your upper arm.

It's best to sit down with your back supported and legs uncrossed for the test. This usually consists of a stethoscope, arm cuff, pump and dial, although automatic devices that use sensors and have a digital display are also commonly used nowadays. A device called a sphygmomanometer will be used to measure your blood pressure.

Printable blood pressure chart ranges