High Blood Pressure

Overview

High blood pressure (hypertension) means the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high. Left unmanaged, it's a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

Symptoms

Usually none — hypertension is often called a "silent" condition, which is why regular checks matter even when feeling well. Very high readings can occasionally cause headaches or visual disturbance.

Risk Factors

Older age, family history, high salt intake, obesity, physical inactivity, excess alcohol, smoking, chronic stress, and certain conditions like kidney disease or sleep apnoea.

Common Blood Tests

Blood pressure itself is measured with a cuff rather than a blood test, but doctors often check kidney function, electrolytes, and cholesterol to assess overall cardiovascular risk and rule out underlying causes.

Lifestyle Information

Reducing salt intake, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, not smoking, and managing stress can meaningfully lower blood pressure, sometimes without needing medication.

When to seek medical advice

Get blood pressure checked regularly, especially from midlife onward, and seek prompt care for very high readings accompanied by severe headache, chest pain, vision changes, or confusion.

Sources