What should be monitored to diagnose hypertension?

To diagnose hypertension, blood pressure is the key measurement that must be monitored. Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is determined by the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. This condition is diagnosed when a person's blood pressure readings consistently exceed normal ranges, which are typically defined as systolic pressure (the top number) of 130 mmHg or higher and diastolic pressure (the bottom number) of 80 mmHg or higher.

Monitoring blood pressure involves using a sphygmomanometer to measure both systolic and diastolic pressures, which provides an accurate assessment of an individual's cardiovascular health. Since hypertension is a silent condition that often presents no symptoms, regular monitoring is essential for early detection and management.

The other measurements, such as heart rhythm, body temperature, and respiratory rate, while important in their own right for assessing overall health, do not directly indicate whether a person has hypertension. Therefore, blood pressure is the key indicator when diagnosing this condition.