What are the treatment options for hypertension?

High blood pressure often causes no noticeable symptoms, so treatment decisions rely on repeated measurements and your overall health. A [Chronic Disease Review](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/chronic-disease-review/) can assess heart and kidney risk, current medicines, smoking, activity, sleep, and related conditions.

If readings vary between the clinic and home, [Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/ambulatory-blood-pressure-monitoring/) records pressure during ordinary activities and sleep. This can help distinguish sustained hypertension from a clinic-only rise.

Lifestyle measures can include reducing salty processed foods, choosing more vegetables and fibre-rich foods, being physically active within your ability, reaching a healthier weight if advised, limiting alcohol, avoiding tobacco, and protecting sleep. [Nutrition Counselling](/treatments/lifestyle-and-wellness/nutrition-counselling/) can turn general advice into meals that suit your culture and health needs.

[Blood Pressure Medication](/treatments/medical-management/blood-pressure-medication/) may be prescribed when readings remain high or your risk makes earlier treatment appropriate. Take it consistently, monitor as advised, and report dizziness, ankle swelling, cough, or other new effects rather than changing the dose yourself.

Seek urgent help for very high blood pressure accompanied by chest pain, severe breathlessness, weakness on one side, difficulty speaking, confusion, or a sudden severe headache. Contact your clinician soon if readings repeatedly rise, medicines cause faintness, or you cannot obtain your prescribed treatment.

What blood pressure target applies to me? Do I need home or ambulatory monitoring? Which lifestyle change would help first? What benefits and side effects should I expect from this medicine? When should my kidneys and electrolytes be checked?