Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Hypertension is a condition where the force of blood against artery walls stays consistently too high. It is often called a 'silent' condition because it usually causes no symptoms until it has already caused damage.
Overview
When blood pressure stays elevated over time, it increases the workload on the heart and blood vessels. Without regular monitoring and management, this can raise the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney problems. The good news is that hypertension is very manageable with the right combination of lifestyle changes and medication.
Common Symptoms
- Usually none in early stages
- Severe cases may cause headache, shortness of breath, nosebleeds or vision changes
Causes & Risk Factors
- Age and family history
- High-salt diet, obesity and low physical activity
- Excess alcohol, smoking and chronic stress
- Sometimes an underlying condition (secondary hypertension)
When to See a Doctor
- Any reading consistently at or above 130/80 mmHg on repeat checks
- Severe headache, chest pain, blurred vision or confusion with a very high reading
Treatment Approach
Treatment combines lifestyle changes—reducing salt, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing weight and limiting alcohol—with medication such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers or diuretics, tailored and monitored over time. Hypertension is managed, not 'cured' once.
How Aram Clinic Can Help
Dr. Ramakrishnan monitors blood pressure alongside related risk factors such as diabetes and cholesterol as part of routine internal medicine follow-up, with on-site ECG when heart involvement needs checking.
Related tests:
Frequently asked questions
What blood pressure reading is considered high?
A reading consistently at or above 130/80 mmHg on repeat measurements is generally considered high. A single high reading does not always mean hypertension, which is why repeat checks and review are important.
Can hypertension be cured?
Hypertension is usually a lifelong condition that is managed well with lifestyle changes and medication. Stopping treatment without medical advice can cause blood pressure to rise again.
How often should I have my blood pressure checked?
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, your doctor will suggest a follow-up schedule—often every few months once stable. If you have risk factors, an annual check is sensible.
Talk to Dr. Ramakrishnan G
Contact the clinic to discuss your symptoms or arrange a consultation. The clinic will get back to you and advise on the next steps.
The information on this page is for general health awareness and does not replace an in-person medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment plan. If you're experiencing symptoms, please contact Aram Clinic or another qualified healthcare provider. In a medical emergency, go to the nearest emergency department immediately.