High Blood Pressure
Also known as: Hypertension, High BP
Hypertension is persistently raised blood pressure, usually 140/90 mmHg or higher. It often has no symptoms but greatly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
Symptoms
- Usually no symptoms
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision in severe cases
Causes
- Mostly no single cause (primary)
- Kidney or hormone disorders (secondary)
Risk factors
- High salt intake
- Obesity
- Smoking and alcohol
- Stress
- Family history
- Diabetes
Complications
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease
Treatment overview
Lifestyle change plus medicines such as amlodipine or telmisartan, taken long term with regular BP checks.
Prevention
- Reduce salt
- Regular exercise
- Healthy weight
- Avoid tobacco
- Limit alcohol
When to see a doctor
Check BP at least yearly after 18; see a doctor if readings are 140/90 or higher.
Tests used
Specialists who treat it
Frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of High Blood Pressure?
Usually no symptoms, Headache, Dizziness, Blurred vision in severe cases
What causes High Blood Pressure?
Mostly no single cause (primary), Kidney or hormone disorders (secondary)
How is High Blood Pressure treated?
Lifestyle change plus medicines such as amlodipine or telmisartan, taken long term with regular BP checks.
How can High Blood Pressure be prevented?
Reduce salt, Regular exercise, Healthy weight, Avoid tobacco, Limit alcohol
Medically reviewed by
Medical review pending
Last updated
9 October 2026
Sources
- World Health Organization fact sheets
- ICMR and MoHFW national guidelines
- National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
This information is for general awareness and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. Do not start, stop or change any medicine without medical advice.