For high blood pressure caused by medication, consult with your health care provider about changing or discontinuing drugs. Blood pressure should be monitored routinely for adults over the age of 40 or who have risk factors such as obesity , smoking , drinking, or a family history of hypertension . The physical examination will include checking the blood pressure as well as a thorough general examination. The blood pressure may need to be monitored several times over a period of weeks or months. A sphygmomanometer is used to measure blood pressure, and is the most accurate method.
Blood pressure is measured against the height of a column of mercury.
This is the most accurate method because it can only be made inaccurate by changing the gravitational constant of the earth.