High Blood Pressure: Symptoms, Causes, and Management
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious medical condition that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other life-threatening complications. Understanding the signs, symptoms, and prevention strategies is key to effective blood pressure management.
This guide explains what high blood pressure is, how it is measured, common symptoms, causes, and treatment options — along with ways to protect your long-term health.
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. Arteries carry blood from the heart to different parts of the body.
Over time, persistent high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of severe health issues.
How is Blood Pressure Measured?
Blood pressure readings are measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and are expressed as two numbers:
- Systolic pressure – the pressure in your arteries when the heart beats.
- Diastolic pressure – the pressure in your arteries between beats.
For example, if your reading is 120/80 mmHg, it is said as “120 over 80.”
What is Considered High Blood Pressure?
Hypertension is diagnosed when:
- Systolic pressure ≥ 140 mmHg (on two separate days), and
- Diastolic pressure ≥ 90 mmHg (on two separate days).
Since high blood pressure often has no symptoms, many people may not even know they have it. The only reliable way to confirm it is by measuring your blood pressure readings regularly.
Global and Local Prevalence
- Worldwide: According to the World Health Organisation, high blood pressure was the top cause of death in 2004, accounting for 7.5 million deaths (12.8% of all deaths).
- Southport & Australia: Around 1 in 4 adults are affected by hypertension, making it a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
What Happens to the Body During Hypertension?
When small arteries (arterioles) tighten, your heart works harder to push blood through them. Over time, this leads to:
- Increased blood pressure
- Reduced elasticity of arteries
- Greater strain on the heart
This progression increases the risk of heart disease, kidney damage, and stroke.
Categories of Blood Pressure Readings
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
- Elevated (Prehypertension): Systolic 120–129 mmHg / Diastolic <80 mmHg
- Stage 1 Hypertension: Systolic 130–139 mmHg / Diastolic 80–89 mmHg
- Stage 2 Hypertension: Systolic ≥140 mmHg / Diastolic ≥90 mmHg
- Hypertensive Crisis: More than 180/120 mmHg (seek emergency help immediately)
It is also important to remember that a person’s blood pressure changes throughout the day. The time a person’s readings are taken do play a factor. It is best to understand when the best time to take blood pressure readings are.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
Most cases of high blood pressure (between 90 and 95 per cent) are classified as primary or essential hypertension. This means that although many factors are involved, the actual cause of high blood pressure remains unknown. The following can lead to this condition:
Common Risk Factors
- Smoking
- Obesity or being overweight
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Excessive salt or alcohol intake
- Stress
- Old age
- Family history
- Chronic kidney disease
- Thyroid/adrenal issues
- Sleep apnea
Causes of Systolic Hypertension
- Artery stiffness
- Hyperthyroidism
- Diabetes
- Heart valve disease
- Obesity
Causes of Diastolic Hypertension
- High salt diet
- Lack of exercise
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Anxiety and stress
- Medications (e.g., antidepressants, NSAIDs, contraceptives)
- Caffeine
Hypertension Symptoms
While hypertension is often called a “silent killer”, some people may experience:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nosebleeds
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
If you notice these hypertension symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.
Complications of Untreated High Blood Pressure
Hypertension is called a “silent killer”. Most hypertensive persons are unaware of their condition because there are no warning signs or symptoms. As a result, blood pressure must be checked regularly. There are four primary ways that high blood pressure can harm your health.
Arteries become harder
Due to pressure inside the arteries, the muscles that line the walls may swell, limiting their passage. If a blood clot obstructs blood flow to the heart or brain, a heart attack or stroke may result.
Heart enlargement
High blood pressure increases the workload on the heart. Your heart enlarges or grows to accommodate the additional effort, much like any other muscle in your body that has been intensely exercised. As it grows, your heart requires more oxygen-rich blood but has less control over blood flow. The person then experiences weakness and exhaustion and cannot engage in physical activity.
Kidney infection
If persistently high blood pressure harms kidney blood flow, it could cause kidney damage. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause the arteries around the kidneys to narrow, weaken, or harden over time. These clogged arteries cannot send sufficient blood to the renal tissue, and damaged kidney arteries do not filter blood efficiently.
Eye damage
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure can cause the tiny capillaries in your retina to bleed. This retinopathy disorder may result in blindness.
Special Cases of Hypertension
High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
Also called preeclampsia or toxaemia, it is a condition that can occur during pregnancy. It is characterised by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Preeclampsia usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy and typically resolves within two weeks after delivery. However, it can occur earlier in pregnancy and can lead to severe complications for both mother and child.
If left untreated, preeclampsia can progress to eclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition that manifests by seizure activity. Pregnancy hypertension must be treated right away to protect both the mother’s and the unborn child’s health.
High Blood Pressure in Children
High blood pressure can also occur in children. The main difference between hypertension in children and adults is that the former usually has no identifiable cause, while the latter often does. In other words, primary hypertension is more common in adults, while secondary hypertension is more common in children.
Secondary hypertension can be caused by some different conditions, including:
- kidney disease
- congenital heart defects
- sleep apnea
- endocrine disorders
First Aid and Blood Pressure Management
Managing hypertension often requires a combination of lifestyle changes and medications.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Eating a heart-healthy, low-salt diet
A low-salt diet can help lower blood pressure and protect a person’s heart and health. To eat a low-salt diet, choose fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables over canned or processed ones, cook with little or no salt, and limit your intake of salty foods such as cured meats, cheeses, and condiments. You should also avoid adding salt to your food at the table. Keep an eye out for more blood pressure-lowering food.
Participating in frequent physical activity
Physical activity is one of the best ways to prevent hypertension. Most days, 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity can help lower your blood pressure. If you’re unsure how to get started, talk to your doctor or certified fitness professional. They can help you create a safe and effective exercise program.
Maintaining or losing weight if you are overweight or obese
Losing 5 to 10 per cent of your body weight can lower your blood pressure by up to 14 mmHg. To lose weight, you must eat fewer calories than you burn daily. You can do this by eating smaller portions, reducing sugary and fatty foods, and exercising more. Even small changes can make a big difference!
Limiting your alcohol consumption
Alcohol can raise your blood pressure and make it harder for your heart to pump blood. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Limit your intake to two daily drinks for men and one for women.
Medications
Doctors may prescribe:
- Diuretics
- ACE inhibitors
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Vasodilators
Conclusion
High blood pressure may be common, but with the right steps, it can be prevented and managed. Regular monitoring, a healthy lifestyle, and timely treatment can reduce your risks. Furthermore, earning the confidence to recognise signs and symptoms of emergencies, and the right way to respond to each will make a massive difference. Take the first step towards confidence in emergencies by enrolling in our 
HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and HLTAID011 Provide First Aid courses.