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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Low Blood Pressure
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
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Diagnosis & Tests
How is the condition diagnosed?
Blood pressure is usually measured with a tool called a blood pressure cuff. 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 gases. A heart tracing, or ECG, can help diagnose abnormal heartbeats. A chest x-ray can help diagnose pneumonia.