If you are diagnosed with hypertension, your doctor may recommend a number of tests to assess your overall health and determine the underlying causes of your high blood pressure, or whether your ongoing hypertension has caused any organ damage already. Some tests your doctor may want to perform:
Laboratory tests for High Blood Pressure:
- Complete blood count (CBC): This test measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood. It can help identify conditions such as anemia, which can cause high blood pressure.
- Lipid profile: This test measures the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. High levels of these fats can contribute to the development of hypertension and increase your risk of heart disease.
- Kidney function tests: These tests, including blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, measure how well your kidneys are working. High BUN and creatinine indicate kidney issues and kidney disease is a common cause of hypertension.
- Thyroid function tests: These tests measure the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood. An underactive or overactive thyroid gland can contribute to hypertension.
- Fasting blood sugar (glucose) test: This test measures the level of glucose in your blood after an overnight fast. High levels of blood sugar can increase your risk of hypertension and diabetes.
- C-reactive protein (CRP) test: This test measures the level of CRP, a protein that is produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Elevated levels of CRP are associated with an increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
- Urine albumin test: This test measures the level of albumin, a protein, in your urine. Elevated levels of albumin can be a sign of kidney damage, which is a common cause of hypertension.
- Urinalysis: A urine test can help identify any kidney problems or other conditions that may be causing your hypertension.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG):
Therefore, an EKG may be useful in evaluating hypertension because it can detect abnormalities in the heart's electrical activity that may be caused by high blood pressure. These abnormalities can include changes in the size and shape of the heart's chambers, the presence of an irregular heartbeat, or signs of damage to the heart muscle.
In addition, an EKG may be helpful in identifying other underlying conditions that could be contributing to hypertension, such as heart disease, arrhythmias, or other cardiac abnormalities. Overall, while an EKG is not typically a routine part of hypertension diagnosis, it may be recommended in certain cases to help evaluate the impact of hypertension on the heart and to identify any underlying cardiac issues that may require treatment.
Echocardiogram:
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart's structure and function. It is a valuable tool for evaluating hypertension (high blood pressure) because it can provide information about how the heart is affected by the condition.
Hypertension can cause changes in the heart's size and function, and an echocardiogram can detect these changes. For example, if hypertension is left untreated, it can cause the heart to become thicker and stiffer, a condition known as left ventricular hypertrophy. An echocardiogram can detect the presence and severity of this condition, as well as any other abnormalities in the heart's structure or function that may be caused by hypertension.
In addition to evaluating the heart's structure, an echocardiogram can also be used to assess blood flow through the heart and detect any issues such as valve problems or blockages that may be contributing to hypertension.
Holter monitor:
A Holter monitor is a portable device that records your heart's activity for 24-48 hours continuously. It is commonly used to monitor heart rate and rhythm in patients with hypertension, arrhythmias, or other heart-related conditions.
A Holter monitor for hypertension is specifically used to measure blood pressure at regular intervals throughout the day and night, providing a more accurate picture of blood pressure patterns than traditional office blood pressure measurements. The device is typically worn on a belt or shoulder strap, and electrodes are attached to the chest to monitor the heart's electrical activity.
The recorded data is analyzed by a healthcare professional, who can use it to identify any irregularities in heart rate or blood pressure, diagnose hypertension, and develop a treatment plan. The Holter monitor is a non-invasive and painless procedure that can provide valuable information about your heart's health.
Stress tests:
Stress tests, also known as exercise stress tests or cardiac stress tests, are a diagnostic tool used to evaluate how well the heart functions during physical activity. Stress tests can be used to assess hypertension, a condition where the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is too high.
During a stress test for hypertension, the patient is typically asked to walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike while the heart rate and blood pressure are monitored. The exercise increases the demand for oxygen and nutrients in the body, which in turn increases the workload on the heart. The healthcare provider can observe how the heart responds to the increased demand and assess whether the blood pressure is controlled during exercise.
Stress tests for hypertension are useful for determining how well blood pressure is controlled during physical activity and whether the patient is at risk for complications such as angina, heart attack, or stroke. The test can also help the healthcare provider assess the effectiveness of hypertension medications and determine whether adjustments are necessary.
Angiogram:
An angiogram uses a dye and special X-rays to assess the blood flow in your arteries and identify any blockages or narrowing that may be contributing to your hypertension.