High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when your blood pressure remains consistently higher than a healthy range. Over time, this can place additional strain on your heart and blood vessels. Lifestyle changes and, when needed, medication can help manage your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart-related complications.
Increased Heart Risk
Can increase your risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions
Manageable Condition
Lifestyle changes and medication can help control blood pressure
Simple Monitoring
Regular blood pressure checks help identify and monitor hypertension
Specialist Care
Cardiologists can assess your cardiovascular health and guide treatment
What is high blood pressure?
Each time your heart beats, it pumps blood into your arteries. Your blood pressure is a measure of the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. The pressure changes according to whether you are resting or active.
Blood pressure is measured in 2 numbers. For example, 120/80 mmHg. The first number (systolic pressure) indicates the pressure in the arteries as the heart pumps blood out with each beat. The second number (diastolic pressure) indicates the pressure as the heart relaxes before the next beat. These numbers are measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).
According to guidelines from The Heart Foundation, here’s what the different measurements mean.
Normal range:
• Optimal: lower than 120/80 mmHg
• Normal: from 120/80 to 129/84 mmHg
• High normal: 130/85 and 139/89 mmHg
High blood pressure (hypertension) is described as:
• Systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or higher; and/or
• Diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or higher.
Concerned About Your Blood Pressure?
If you’re concerned about your blood pressure or have had consistently high readings, speak to your GP. They can assess your blood pressure and recommend further testing or specialist care if needed.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
Many people may not experience symptoms of high blood pressure until they have severe health problems. Some people may experience:
Common Symptoms
- headaches
- fatigue
- nosebleeds
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- vision problems
- shortness of breath
Less common symptoms
Dizziness or light-headedness
Fainting or feeling faint (syncope)
Anxiety or unexplained fatigue
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Unexplained sweating
General weakness
These symptoms are not exhaustive. If you experience severe chest pain, sudden fainting, extreme shortness of breath, or a severe sudden headache, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. For ongoing, high, or fluctuating blood pressure readings, consult your GP promptly. Don’t ignore key warning signs.
What causes high blood pressure?
There are two types of high blood pressure (hypertension):
Primary (essential) hypertension. This is the most common type of high blood pressure. It’s believed to be linked to genetics, obesity, poor diet and lack of exercise. It can develop over several years and may be improved by a healthier lifestyle and medication.
Secondary hypertension. This often appears suddenly. It can be caused by underlying disorders, including kidney disease, thyroid problems, adrenal gland disorders, medications, and illegal drugs, including cocaine and amphetamines
Risk factors you can manage:
Smoking
Smoking can damage your blood vessels and increase your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
Being overweight
Carrying excess weight can place additional strain on your heart and increase your risk of high blood pressure.
Too much salt
A diet high in salt can contribute to increased blood pressure. Reducing salt as part of a balanced diet may help manage it.
Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can contribute to high blood pressure. Your GP can advise you about reducing your intake.
Chronic Stress
Ongoing stress may affect behaviours and other factors associated with blood pressure. Finding healthy ways to manage stress can support your overall heart health.
Physical inactivity
Regular physical activity can help manage blood pressure and support your overall cardiovascular health.
How is High Blood Pressure Treated?
Lifestyle Management
Eat a balanced, low-sodium diet
Engage in regular physical activity
Maintain a healthy body weight
Limit alcohol consumption and quit smoking
Manage stress and prioritize quality sleep
Medical Management
Blood pressure-lowering medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs)
Daily blood pressure monitoring at home
Routine clinical reviews to adjust treatment
Targeted management of related cardiovascular risks
Your treating specialist will discuss all relevant options with you and develop a personalised management plan shared with your GP.
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Why can high blood pressure be dangerous?
High blood pressure makes your heart and blood vessels work harder to pump blood to the rest of your body.
The force of high blood pressure can damage your blood vessels and your organs. The higher your blood pressure and the longer it goes uncontrolled, the greater the damage.
High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke. It can also lead to conditions including kidney disease, loss of vision and erectile dysfunction.
How is high blood pressure diagnosed?
Most people are familiar with the simple blood pressure check that GPs routinely perform.
A single high reading does not mean you have high blood pressure as your pressure may vary over time. You will generally be diagnosed with high blood pressure if you have a high reading on three separate occasions. Your doctor may ask you to monitor your blood pressure at home or wear a monitor for 24 hours to get an accurate reading.
How is high blood pressure treated?
There are several treatment options for people with high blood pressure. Your doctor will design a management plan based on your risk factors and symptoms. Lifestyle modifications such as stopping smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet may be recommended. In addition, medication may be prescribed.
Tests used to diagnose High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is diagnosed by measuring your blood pressure over time. Your doctor may recommend additional monitoring or cardiac tests to better understand your blood pressure and assess your heart health.
Echocardiogram
ECG Test
