High blood pressure should be treated

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a key cause of preventable illness in our society. It is responsible for many strokes, heart attacks and cases of kidney disease.

This problem is very common, but unfortunately many people with hypertension feel perfectly well and have no idea of the potentially lethal condition they have.

How is blood pressure measured?

Blood circulates through our bodies in a network of blood vessels known as the vascular system. The heart acts as a pump, continually pushing blood around the system. When blood pressure is measured, 2 figures are recorded, for example: 120/80 mmHg.

The higher number is the systolic blood pressure. This is a measure of the highest pressure in the system which happens with each contraction of the heart. The lower figure, diastolic pressure, is the pressure in the system between heartbeats.

If either, or both, of these levels are too high, hypertension is present.

In general terms, concern is felt when the systolic pressure is much above 140 and the diastolic is above 90. Readings above 140/90 mmHg are considered hypertension and are further classified as mild, moderate and severe.

Sometimes hypertension occurs as a result of other diseases, particularly kidney disease. But in many cases there is no obvious cause.

How is hypertension treated?

Mild hypertension can often be treated by changes to lifestyle. Weight loss and increased exercise can make a big difference for some people. But for most cases of moderate and severe hypertension, treatment with medication is necessary in addition to lifestyle changes. Hypertension is not a disease that can be cured, but it can be controlled.

A wide variety of medications is now available and treatment is tailored to suit the particular person. For some, blood pressure may be controlled with a single tablet once a day. Others may need more than this and may require a combination of several different medications to control their blood pressure.

Newer treatments generally have far fewer side effects than the medications originally used to treat hypertension, and most people continue to live normal lives with the small inconvenience of having to take one or more tablets every day.

It is sensible for all adults to have their blood pressure checked occasionally. If the level seems high, your doctor will want to re-check and if the level remains high, investigations and treatment may be necessary.

By controlling blood pressure and addressing other risk factors such as smoking, obesity, lack of exercise and the level of cholesterol in the blood, many lives could be prolonged and devastating strokes prevented.

 
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Last Reviewed: 12 March 2004