High Blood Pressure and Why Knowing Your Numbers Matters

High blood pressure is often called a silent condition, and for good reason. Most people who have it feel completely fine. They only find out when a doctor or pharmacist checks their reading. Yet over time it can quietly strain the heart, brain and kidneys.

The simplest way to stay on top of it is to know your numbers. A blood pressure check takes a few minutes and does not hurt. This guide explains what the numbers mean and who is more at risk. It also covers how often to get checked and the everyday changes that can help.

What blood pressure is

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as it leaves the heart. It is measured in millimetres of mercury, written as mmHg. A reading has two numbers, such as 120/80mmHg. Each number tells your doctor something different.

The top number is called systolic pressure. It is the pressure in your arteries when your heart pumps. The bottom number is called diastolic pressure. It is the pressure when your heart relaxes between beats.

What the numbers mean

Blood pressure naturally goes up and down through the day. One high reading does not mean you have high blood pressure. According to healthdirect information on high blood pressure, it is considered high when readings are consistently 140/90mmHg or above. About 1 in 3 Australian adults has high blood pressure.

Healthy WA gives a general guide to the ranges. A reading below 120/80mmHg is generally considered normal. Readings between 120/80 and 140/90mmHg sit in the normal to high range. A reading of 180/110mmHg or higher is classed as very high.

These ranges are a guide only. Your doctor will look at your readings over several visits, along with your overall health. They will also take your age, family history and other risk factors into account. That fuller picture is what guides any advice they give you.

Why it often goes unnoticed

High blood pressure does not usually cause any symptoms. That is why regular checks matter so much. Very high readings can sometimes cause headaches, dizziness, nosebleeds or problems with vision. Many people with raised blood pressure notice none of these.

Some symptoms need urgent help. Chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, seizures, vomiting or a headache can be signs of an emergency. A headache felt at the back of the head is one to watch for. If this happens, go to your nearest emergency department or call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

What raises the risk

For most people, no single cause of high blood pressure is found. This is sometimes called essential hypertension. Several everyday factors make it more likely, though. These include a lack of physical activity, carrying extra weight, a diet high in salt and drinking more alcohol than recommended.

In a smaller number of people there is a known cause. Examples include kidney disease, some hormonal conditions, sleep apnoea and certain medicines or drugs. Problems during pregnancy can also raise blood pressure. Your doctor can look into these if your readings suggest a specific cause.

Smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes and being overweight all add to the risk of serious problems from high blood pressure. Each one on its own matters. Together they increase the strain on your heart and blood vessels. That is why doctors tend to look at your overall heart health rather than one number.

What can happen if it is not managed

Ongoing high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, heart attack and heart failure. It is also linked with stroke, eye conditions and chronic kidney disease. Treatment helps lower the chance of these problems. Getting checked is the first step.

A stroke can affect a person in many ways, including their speech and language. Our post on communicating with aphasia after a stroke explains one of these effects. It also has ideas for families and carers. Looking after your blood pressure is one way to lower your own stroke risk.

Getting your blood pressure checked

Healthdirect advises that adults over 18 have their blood pressure checked by a doctor at least every 2 years. People at higher risk may need checks more often. Your doctor will tell you what suits you. It is a quick test and can be done at a standard GP visit.

Some people have high readings at the clinic but normal readings everywhere else. This is known as white coat hypertension. To get a clearer picture, your doctor may ask you to check your blood pressure at home. They may also ask you to wear a monitor for 24 hours.

Home readings show how your blood pressure behaves during normal daily life. They also help your doctor see whether treatment is working. If you check at home, write down your readings with the date and time. Bring the list with you to your next appointment.

Everyday changes that can help

Lifestyle changes are a big part of lowering blood pressure and reducing heart risk. They also help prevent high blood pressure in the first place. None of them are quick fixes. Small steady changes over months tend to be the ones that last.

Cut back on salt

Too much salt is one of the main contributors to high blood pressure. Most salt in our diet does not come from the salt shaker. It comes from processed foods such as bread, breakfast cereals, canned food and pasta sauces. Choosing low salt or reduced salt products is an easy place to start.

Eat mostly plant foods

Healthy WA advice on high blood pressure suggests a diet based mainly on vegetables, fruit, legumes and wholegrains. Moderate amounts of lean meat, poultry, fish and reduced fat dairy can be part of it. Choose healthier fats such as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Pantry remedies like apple cider vinegar are popular, but they are no replacement for medical advice.

Move more

Regular physical activity helps lower blood pressure. Healthy WA suggests aiming for 30 minutes or more of moderate activity on most days. Some exercises, such as heavy weight lifting, may not suit people with high blood pressure. Ask your doctor which types of exercise are right for you.

Staying motivated is often the hardest part. A walk with a friend or a regular class can help it become a habit. If you need a lift on a slow day, our collection of motivational fitness quotes might help. Keeping a healthy weight also takes pressure off your heart.

Limit alcohol and stop smoking

Drinking more alcohol than recommended raises blood pressure. Cutting back can help, and your doctor can talk with you about safe limits. If someone close to you is struggling with alcohol or other drugs, our post on how to support a loved one with an addiction may help. Quitting smoking and vaping is another big step for your heart.

When medicine is needed

Some people need medicine as well as lifestyle changes. Some need more than one type to bring their blood pressure down. Take any medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not stop it or change the dose without talking to your doctor first, and have it reviewed regularly.

Frequently asked questions

What is a normal blood pressure reading?

A reading below 120/80mmHg is generally considered normal. Blood pressure is considered high when readings are consistently 140/90mmHg or higher. Your doctor will explain what your own numbers mean.

Can I have high blood pressure and feel fine?

Yes, this is very common. High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms at all. Regular checks are the only reliable way to know.

How often should I have my blood pressure checked?

Adults over 18 should have it checked by a doctor at least every 2 years. You may need more frequent checks if you are at higher risk. Your doctor can advise you on this.

Does salt really make a difference?

Too much salt is one of the main contributors to high blood pressure. Most of it comes from processed foods rather than the salt shaker. Reading food labels and choosing reduced salt products can help.

This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Please speak with your doctor or another qualified health professional about your own blood pressure and health.