High blood pressure is often called the "Silent Killer" This is because it often has no warning signs or symptoms. Therefore getting your blood pressure checked regularly is extremely important as it could save your life. High blood pressure, if left untreated can cause other problems such as kidney failure, heart attacks, and strokes.

It is because high blood pressure has no symptoms in the early stages, that you should get it checked often. Every three years is advisable between routine checks if the readings are normal. However if your blood pressure is raised, you should be monitored on a more frequent basis.

The best position for having a blood pressure measurement done is sitting. A health care professional usually carries out the blood pressure check, though it can be done by any competent person.

They will begin by wrapping a rubber lined cuff around the upper arm. This 'cuff' is part of a pressure-measuring device known as a sphygmomanometer. They used to be filled with mercury and the blood pressure would be taken by the health care professional pumping up the cuff physically.

Nowadays however the sphygmomanometer is electronic and the blood pressure is read by a small computer within the sphygmomanometer. A stethoscope can be used with some models, but nowadays they are rarely used.

Once the cuff has been wrapped around the upper arm, it is inflated so that it temporarily stops the blood flow to the arm. The sounds of the person's blood rushing through their artery can be heard through a stethoscope. Two readings are given - (systolic) when your heart is contracting, and (diastolic) when your heart is at rest.

It is important that the person is totally relaxed when their blood pressure reading is being taken, otherwise a false reading will be obtained.