Overview
Hypertension is called the 'silent killer' because it usually has no symptoms. Home blood pressure monitoring, not doctor's-office readings alone, is the most reliable way to know your true BP.
Symptoms to watch for
- Usually none until damage is advanced
- Rarely: headaches (only at very high BPs)
- Vision changes at severe elevations
- Chest pain, shortness of breath — from complications, not BP itself
What else could this be?
- Anxiety-driven readings
- White-coat hypertension (only in office)
- Secondary causes (renal, endocrine, sleep apnea)
How it's diagnosed
Home readings over 2 weeks (2 morning, 2 evening) — average ≥135/85 confirms. Labs: BMP, urinalysis, lipid, glucose, TSH.
Treatment
Lifestyle: DASH diet, <2.3 g sodium, exercise, weight loss, limit alcohol. Meds: ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, thiazides — typically starting with one and titrating.
When to book a visit
Book if home readings average >135/85, or you've been told your BP is high.
Book online todayFrequently asked
How to lower blood pressure fast?
Not fast — sustainably. Cut sodium, lose weight, exercise, cut alcohol. Meds work within 2–4 weeks. Sudden lowering isn't safer than gradual.
What are normal BP ranges?
<120/80 optimal, 120–129/<80 elevated, 130–139/80–89 stage 1, ≥140/90 stage 2.