High blood pressure (hypertension) means the pressure of blood against your artery walls stays too high over time. Most people feel completely well, which is why it is often called a silent condition — it is usually found during a routine measurement rather than because someone felt unwell.
What do the numbers mean?
A blood pressure reading has two numbers, measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). The first is the pressure when your heart beats; the second is the pressure between beats.
| Reading | What it means |
|---|---|
| Below 120/80 | Normal |
| 120–139 / 80–89 | Raised — worth monitoring |
| 140/90 or above | Hypertension, if confirmed on two separate occasions |
A single high reading does not mean you have hypertension. Blood pressure rises with stress, pain, caffeine and even the appointment itself, so a diagnosis needs repeated measurements on different days.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
Usually none. That is the central point about this condition. When blood pressure is very high, some people notice headaches, nosebleeds, shortness of breath or visual changes — but waiting for symptoms is not a safe way to detect it.
Who is at higher risk?
- Age over 40, or a close family member with hypertension
- Being overweight, or physically inactive
- A diet high in salt
- Smoking and regular alcohol use
- Diabetes or chronic kidney disease
Why does it matter if I feel fine?
Untreated high blood pressure quietly damages arteries over years, which raises the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease and vision loss. The World Health Organization estimates that roughly 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 worldwide have hypertension, and that about 46% of them do not know it.
How is high blood pressure treated?
Treatment usually combines daily habits with medication when needed:
- Reduce salt. Most of it comes from bread, processed meat, cheese and restaurant food rather than the salt shaker.
- Move regularly. About 150 minutes of moderate activity a week — a brisk 30-minute walk, five days a week.
- Lose excess weight. Even a few kilograms can lower a reading measurably.
- Stop smoking and keep alcohol low.
- Take medication as prescribed. Several classes exist, and it is common to need more than one. Blood pressure medication is usually long term — stopping because you feel well allows the pressure to climb straight back.
When should I see a doctor?
Book an appointment if you have never had your blood pressure checked, if home readings are repeatedly 140/90 or higher, or if you are on treatment and readings remain high. Seek urgent care for a reading above 180/120 together with chest pain, breathlessness, weakness on one side, difficulty speaking or sudden visual change.
