High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) rarely causes symptoms yet significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Often called the "silent killer", regular monitoring and early treatment are essential to protect your long-term health.
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This page provides general health information only. If you experience sudden severe headache, chest pain, or vision changes, seek emergency care immediately.
What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. Hypertension is defined as a sustained blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or above. Stage 2 hypertension (160/100 mmHg or above) carries a significantly higher immediate risk and requires prompt treatment.
Because it produces no obvious symptoms in the vast majority of people, hypertension can go undetected for years — silently damaging blood vessels, the heart, kidneys, and brain throughout that time. The only way to know your blood pressure is to measure it.
Symptoms
Most people with hypertension have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur — typically at very high levels — they may include:
- Headaches, particularly at the back of the head on waking
- Dizziness or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Blurred or double vision
- Nosebleeds
- Shortness of breath or chest discomfort
Sudden, severe headache, chest pain, vision changes, or facial drooping may indicate a hypertensive crisis or stroke. Call 112 immediately.
Causes & risk factors
- Age — blood pressure naturally rises as arteries stiffen over time
- Family history of hypertension or cardiovascular disease
- Excess body weight and physical inactivity
- High salt intake and a diet low in fruit and vegetables
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking — damages blood vessel walls and raises pressure
- Chronic stress and poor sleep
- Secondary causes — kidney disease, thyroid disorders, and certain medications
When to see a doctor
You should have your blood pressure checked regularly — at least once every 1–2 years if normal, and more frequently if you have risk factors. If a reading is above 140/90 on two separate occasions, speak to a doctor. If you already have hypertension, regular reviews are essential to ensure your treatment is working effectively.
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Treatment options
Lifestyle changes
- Reducing salt intake to under 6g per day
- Regular aerobic exercise — at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week
- Maintaining a healthy weight — even modest weight loss can meaningfully lower blood pressure
- Limiting alcohol and stopping smoking
- Stress management through relaxation, mindfulness, or regular rest
Medication
- ACE inhibitors or ARBs — first-line treatment protecting the heart and kidneys
- Calcium channel blockers — effective and well tolerated, particularly in older patients
- Thiazide diuretics — often added as a second agent
- Beta-blockers — used in specific circumstances such as heart failure or fast heart rate
Most people with hypertension require medication in addition to lifestyle changes. Treatment is long-term and regular reviews are important.
How eMedClinic can help
Our doctors can assess your blood pressure readings, review your cardiovascular risk profile, prescribe or adjust antihypertensive medication, and provide ongoing monitoring. We also support patients who have moved abroad and need continuity of their existing hypertension treatment without interruption.
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