Hypertension is common and often silent. A person can feel completely well while persistently raised blood pressure increases long-term risk of stroke, heart disease, kidney disease and other complications.
Measurement quality matters
Blood pressure should be measured with an appropriate cuff after a few minutes of rest. One isolated reading is not usually enough to diagnose hypertension. Repeated clinic measurements, home readings or ambulatory monitoring may be used depending on the situation.
Lifestyle still matters even when medication is needed
Reducing excess salt intake, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol can all support blood-pressure control. Some patients will nevertheless require medication, and that is not a failure of lifestyle.
Seek urgent care for severely elevated blood pressure accompanied by chest pain, neurological symptoms, severe breathlessness or other acute symptoms. Otherwise, persistently high readings should be reviewed routinely.
This article is general health information and does not replace an individual medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment plan.