Overview
High blood pressure means the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. It usually causes no symptoms, which is why it is often called silent, yet over time it raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure. Regular checks are the main way to detect it. It can usually be controlled with lifestyle changes and, when needed, ongoing treatment.
Symptoms
- Usually none
- Headaches in some people, especially when very high
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds in some cases
- Blurred vision when severe
Causes & risk factors
- Family history and increasing age
- Excess salt in the diet
- Being overweight and physical inactivity
- Excess alcohol intake
- Smoking
- Stress
- Underlying kidney or hormonal conditions in some cases
Treatment & self-care
Care focuses on lowering blood pressure to reduce long-term risk, mainly through lifestyle changes such as reducing salt, regular activity, healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and not smoking, with ongoing treatment when needed. Regular monitoring and follow-up matter because the condition is usually silent. A licensed clinician should diagnose it and guide management.
See a doctor urgently if
- Your blood pressure readings are consistently high
- You have headaches, blurred vision, or chest pain with high readings
- You have a very high reading with severe headache, chest pain, breathlessness, weakness, or confusion — seek emergency care immediately
This condition can be an emergency. If any of the signs above are severe or getting worse, go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number — do not wait for an online consultation.