Diagnosis

Blood pressure is usually measured with a tool called a blood pressure monitor. Other special devices are sometimes used. Diagnosis of the cause starts with a history and physical exam. This may be all that is needed to determine the cause in some cases.

In other cases, further tests are needed. For example, a complete blood count, or CBC, can help diagnose infections. Low oxygen in the blood can be detected by arterial blood gasses. A heart tracing, or ECG, can help diagnose abnormal heartbeats. A chest X-ray can help diagnose pneumonia.