Condition
High Blood Pressure
Detection, treatment and long-term control of hypertension.
High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms, yet it quietly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. Detecting it early and keeping it controlled is one of the most effective things general medicine can do.
What patients often report
- Often none at all — found on routine checking
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Dizziness, palpitations or breathlessness on exertion
- Nosebleeds or blurred vision in severe cases
How it is assessed
- Repeated, properly measured readings
- ECG and basic heart assessment
- Kidney function, electrolytes and cholesterol
- Review of current medicines and lifestyle factors
How care is usually structured
- Salt, weight, sleep and stress counselling
- Choosing well-tolerated medication and titrating it
- Home blood pressure monitoring where suitable
- Focused follow-up rather than endless tests
When to seek urgent care
- Chest pain, severe headache or breathlessness
- Weakness on one side of the body or slurred speech
- Blood pressure above 180/120 mmHg with symptoms
If any of these apply, go to the nearest hospital or call emergency services — do not wait for a routine appointment.
Next step
Book a consultation about high blood pressure
Bring any previous reports and prescriptions. You will leave with a clear plan.