DIAGNOSIS
To check if you have hypertension, your health care provider will measure your blood pressure while you are seated, with your arm held at the level of your heart. It should be measured at least twice using the same arm. Certain conditions can cause a difference in blood pressure between your right and left arms. A blood pressure reading that is higher than normal on one occasion does not mean that you need treatment. If it is not clear whether you have high blood pressure, you may be asked to return on a different day to have your blood pressure checked again. Or, you may be asked to monitor your blood pressure at home for 1 or more weeks.