Introduction
- Long-term condition where blood pressure is consistently too high
- Very common in adults; often has no symptoms
- Major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease
- Often called the “silent killer”
Symptoms
- Usually none
- When present:
- headaches
- dizziness
- blurred vision
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- Red flags
- severe headache
- confusion
- vision loss
Causes and Risk Factors
Types or Classification
- Primary (essential) hypertension – most common
- Secondary hypertension – due to another condition
Diagnosis
- Repeated blood pressure readings
- Home or ambulatory monitoring
- Blood tests (kidney, glucose, lipids)
- ECG if needed
Treatment
Medications
Non-Medication Treatment
- Reduce salt
- Weight loss
- Regular exercise
- Stop smoking
- Limit alcohol
Advanced Treatment
- Combination drug therapy
- Specialist referral if resistant
Complications
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
- Vision loss
- Heart failure
When to See a Doctor
- Persistently high readings
- New symptoms
- Existing heart/kidney disease
Emergency Signs
- Chest pain
- Severe headache
- Stroke symptoms
- BP >180/120
Prevention
- Healthy diet
- Exercise
- Low salt intake
- Regular monitoring
Prognosis and Recovery
- Lifelong condition
- Well controlled with treatment
- Reduces risk significantly
Quick Patient Advice
- Check BP regularly
- Take medicines daily
- Reduce salt
- Stay active
- Do not stop treatment suddenly
FAQ
- What is normal blood pressure?
- Around 120/80 mmHg
- Can hypertension be cured?
- Usually controlled, not cured
- Do I need lifelong medication?
- Often yes
- Is it dangerous without symptoms?
- Yes, very
- Can stress cause hypertension?
- Contributes but not sole cause
- Best diet?
- Low salt, DASH-style diet
- Can weight loss help?
- Yes, significantly
- Is exercise safe?
- Yes, recommended
- Alcohol effect?
- Raises blood pressure
- How often check BP?
- Regularly, as advised