A rubberized cuff is wrapped around the upper arm. Air is pumped into the cuff so that it tightens around the arm and stops the flow of blood. The physician places the stethoscope on the lower arm inside the elbow and listens for sounds in the artery as air is let out of the cuff. A tapping sound is heard as blood flows back into the artery. The systolic pressure is then read from a mercury gauge, a round dial, or a digital display.
More air is released and when the tapping sound disappears, the diastolic pressure is read.
If your blood pressure readings are high, the physician will use other tests and procedures to determine whether the heart , kidneys , or other organs show any damage. In the first step the patient is instructed to adopt various lifestyle changes. These may include losing weight, reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, and ceasing to smoke. If hypertension is mild or moderate, these measures may be sufficient to lower pressure and keep it controlled. If this does not work, drug therapy will be required.