Hypertension is a common condition in which the force of blood against the artery walls remains consistently high.
If left untreated, it can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious health problems.
Many people with hypertension have no symptoms, which is why regular blood pressure screening is important.
Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it may not cause noticeable symptoms.
In severe cases, symptoms may include:
Hypertension is diagnosed by measuring blood pressure readings over time.
A single high reading does not always mean you have hypertension, so repeated measurements are usually needed.
Blood pressure is measured using a cuff placed around the arm. Home monitoring can help confirm diagnosis
and detect “white coat hypertension” (high readings only in clinic).
Additional tests such as blood work, urine tests, ECG, or kidney function tests may be recommended.
Treatment focuses on lowering blood pressure, reducing complications, and protecting the heart, brain, and kidneys.
Your provider may use one medicine or a combination depending on blood pressure readings.
Very high blood pressure with symptoms such as chest pain, severe headache, confusion, weakness, or shortness of breath
requires immediate emergency care.
Seek prompt medical care if you have very high blood pressure, severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath,
weakness, or vision changes.
