Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Quick facts about hypertension

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure) is where the pressure of blood through the arteries is higher than normal.

  • It can damage the heart, blood vessels and other organs (eg your kidneys) without any signs or symptoms.

  • Many lifestyle factors can make you more prone to developing high blood pressure.

  • There are lots of things you can do to treat high blood pressure – including lifestyle changes and taking medication.

About the condition of hypertension

Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure. We measure blood pressure by taking two measurements:

  • Maximum pressure is when the heart muscle is contracting with beats.

  • Minimum pressure is when the heart is relaxed between beats.

  • Normal blood pressure is within the range of 100–140/60–90 in a person at rest.

  • High blood pressure is usually diagnosed if this measure is often above normal range (140/90). 

Causes of hypertension

These factors can make you more prone to developing high blood pressure. Some you can control (like smoking and exercise) and others you can’t (like age, sex and family history): 

  • Your age – being over aged 60 as plaque builds up in the arteries

  • Your gender – men are at higher risk than women

  • Family history and background – some ethnic backgrounds have higher risk

  • Being overweight or obese

  • Smoking and drinking more than recommended amounts of alcohol

  • Poorly managed stress

  • Leading an inactive lifestyle

  • Eating a high salt, high fat diet

Other health conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and high cholesterol levels can lead to hypertension, especially as you get older.

Symptoms of hypertension

It’s important to get your blood pressure checked regularly as you may have few if any symptoms:

  • In many cases – hypertension can damage the heart, blood vessels and other organs (eg your kidneys) without any signs or symptoms.

  • In severe cases – hypertension may cause sweating, anxiety, sleeping problems and blushing.

  • In rare cases – if high blood pressure becomes a hypertensive crisis, headaches and nosebleeds might be present. 

Diagnosis of hypertension

Acute stress and intense exercise can briefly elevate blood pressure in an otherwise healthy person. Long term hypertension is much more dangerous. 

A simple test with a blood pressure monitor is an effective way to diagnose and monitor high blood pressure. It’s a good idea to track any changes using a home blood pressure monitor.

Regular monitoring can help avoid severe complications like heart failure and heart attacks, aneurysm (a bulge in the wall of an artery that can burst), kidney failure and stroke.

Treatment for hypertension

Lifestyle changes can help reduce your blood pressure:

  • Increase exercise – 30 mins moderate exercise 5 days per week is recommended

  • Reduce stress – try various relaxation techniques to help manage your stress

  • Stop smoking – talk to your doctor for help to quit

  • Eat well – nurture your body with healthy foods low in salt and fat

  • Stay healthy – avoid alcohol and other drugs

  • Manage body weight – according to your age, gender and activity level

 Specific medications are used to manage high blood pressure:

  • You may be prescribed a low dose at first.

  • This may be combined to include two or more drugs in the longer term.