What should you know about chronic hypertension?

Blood pressure can be high without causing noticeable symptoms, so a person may feel well while the blood vessels are under extra strain. Over time, uncontrolled hypertension can affect the heart, brain, kidneys, eyes, and circulation. It can occur alongside obesity or obstructive sleep apnoea, and it may contribute to problems such as chronic kidney disease, heart failure, angina, stroke, or a transient ischaemic attack. A diagnosis is based on repeated readings or home monitoring rather than one stressful reading alone.

Keep appointments and record home readings in the way your clinician recommends. Take blood-pressure medicine consistently; do not double a missed dose or stop treatment because a reading improves without advice. Helpful habits include reducing salty processed foods, being physically active within your abilities, avoiding tobacco, moderating alcohol, and working towards a weight that supports your health. Mention dizziness, ankle swelling, or other new effects so the plan can be adjusted safely. Your clinician may also check kidney function, cholesterol, blood sugar, and overall cardiovascular risk.

Call emergency services for sudden weakness or numbness on one side, facial drooping, trouble speaking, severe chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, or a sudden severe headache with confusion or vision change. These symptoms may signal stroke, heart strain, or another emergency. If home readings are repeatedly much higher than your usual level, contact your healthcare team promptly, especially when headache, chest symptoms, breathlessness, or neurological changes occur.

Ask what your target readings are, how and when to measure at home, what to do after a missed dose, and whether any medicines or supplements raise blood pressure. Also ask how your kidneys, heart, sleep, weight, and other risk factors will be reviewed over time.