High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a serious health problem that often has no symptoms. Often called "the silent killer" it doesn't always have symptoms. You can have high blood pressure for years and not even know it.
It's important to know if you do. Left untreated, it can cause serious harm to your heart, kidneys and eyes. People with high blood pressure also have a greater risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
Since high blood pressure usually doesn't cause noticeable symptoms, checking your blood pressure regularly is vital — even when you feel fine.
Whether you have your blood pressure checked at the doctor's office or take it at home, it's important to make sure it's done right. Your care is based on the results. Measuring your blood pressure with care helps ensure accurate result.
Estos consejos le ayudarán a obtener resultados precisos:
- Don't exercise, drink caffeine or smoke within 30 minutes of checking your blood pressure.
- Rest for five minutes before you take your reading.
- Be still, sit up straight and keep your feet on the ground.
- Apoye su brazo sobre un escritorio o mesa. Keep it level with your heart.
- Súbase la manga. You may not get an accurate reading over clothes.
- Revise que la correa esté en el lugar correcto. La parte de abajo debe quedar justo por encima de la articulación de su codo.
- Mida dos o tres veces, especialmente si la primera vez el resultado es alto o bajo. Wait one to three minutes between readings.
- If you’re keeping track at home, track your numbers and share them with your doctor.
Even if you're at the doctor's office, don't be afraid to speak up if you see your blood pressure isn't being taken correctly. Ask to have it taken again if the reading is higher or lower than the normal range. Hágase cargo de su salud procurando obtener resultados precisos.
If you want to keep track of your blood pressure at home, get a home device with an arm cuff. Devices that go on the finger or wrist may not be as accurate as an arm cuff. Get one that automatically pumps up the cuff. Asegúrese de ajustar bien la correa. Asegúrese de ajustar bien la correa. Y llévelo cuando consulte a su médico al menos una vez al año para verificar que sus mediciones sean correctas. Pida al médico que lo observe usar el dispositivo para verificar si lo hace correctamente.
If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about what changes you can make to keep it under control.
Your Blood Pressure and Your Health
Leer Checking Your Blood Pressure Could Save Your Life to learn more about blood pressure and why it’s so important to know your numbers and keep them in a safe range.
Fuentes: , American Heart Association, 2025 (el contenido de esta página solo está disponible en inglés); , Harvard Medical School, 2026