Hypertension Diagnosis
 Hypertension is diagnosed when the patient has persistently high blood pressure. Traditionally, diagnosis requires three separate sphygmomanometer measurements at one-month intervals. Initial assessment of hypertensive patients includes a complete history and physical examination. With the availability of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitors and home blood pressure machines, importance of avoiding an incorrect diagnosis of patients with white coat hypertension has led to a change in protocols. In the United Kingdom, current best practice is to follow up a single raised clinic reading with ambulatory measurement. Follow-up can also be done, but less ideally, with home blood pressure monitoring over the course of seven days.