How is high blood pressure diagnosed?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is diagnosed based on the average of multiple readings taken across different visits to a healthcare provider. This method is essential because blood pressure can vary significantly due to various factors, including stress, time of day, and physical activity. By averaging readings taken on different occasions, healthcare professionals can get a more accurate picture of a person's blood pressure levels and determine if the individual truly has hypertension.

Using a single reading might lead to misdiagnosis, as it may not reflect a person's usual blood pressure level. Similarly, assessing dietary habits alone does not suffice for diagnosing hypertension, as it is not a direct measure of blood pressure. Evaluating physical fitness is important for overall health but does not provide specific information about blood pressure. Therefore, the most reliable and accurate approach to diagnosing high blood pressure involves taking multiple readings over time and averaging them to ensure a true assessment of the condition.