Blood Pressure

If you have a home blood pressure monitor, your doctor may ask you to use it. You may be requested to provide recent readings obtained at home or at a drugstore. Some individuals may still require an in-person blood pressure measurement. 

A telehealth doctor may help with: 

• Reviewing blood pressure readings 
• Discussing symptoms and risk factors 
• Offering lifestyle guidance 
• Arranging blood tests or other investigations 
• Prescribing medications if clinically appropriate 
• Supporting long-term blood pressure control 

High blood pressure is often asymptomatic. When symptoms do occur — typically in severe or uncontrolled hypertension — they may include:

• Headaches or dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Nosebleeds
• Irregular heartbeat

Note: Chest pain, severe headache, or sudden shortness of breath may indicate a medical emergency unrelated to blood pressure. Call 000 immediately if these symptoms are severe or sudden.

High blood pressure can silently damage multiple organs over time, especially when left untreated.

• Heart: Risk of heart attack, heart failure, irregular heart rhythms

• Brain: Risk of stroke, cognitive decline, dementia

• Eyes: Can cause hypertensive retinopathy → vision problems

• Kidneys: Damage to kidney function → chronic kidney disease risk

• Arteries: Arterial stiffness & atherosclerosis → reduced blood flow

Recommendations might include 

• Engage in regular physical activity 
• Dietary adjustments and nutritional management
• Maintaining a healthy weight 
• Managing stress 
• Limiting/stopping alcohol consumption 
• Improving sleep habits 
• Quitting smoking

Low blood pressure can be triggered by various factors, including:

• Dehydration: Lack of fluids can reduce blood volume, leading to lower blood pressure.
• Heart conditions: Issues like heart failure, bradycardia (slow heart rate), or valve problems can contribute to hypotension.
• Endocrine disorders: Conditions like hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, or diabetes can affect blood pressure regulation.
• Medications: Some drugs, including beta-blockers, diuretics, and antidepressants, can lower blood pressure.
• Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of vitamin B12 or folate can lead to anaemia, reducing blood pressure.
• Blood loss or severe infection: Losing a significant amount of blood or developing a severe infection can lead to dangerously low blood pressure.
• Postural hypotension: A sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up, causing dizziness or light headedness.

Mild cases of hypotension may not cause symptoms, but when blood pressure drops too low, it can result in:

• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Fainting
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nausea
• Difficulty concentrating
• hock (in extreme cases), leading to rapid breathing and confusion — this is a medical emergency, call 000 immediately.

If hypotension is causing symptoms, here are some ways to manage it:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to maintain blood volume.
• Increase salt intake (If recommended by a doctor): In some cases, more sodium can help raise blood pressure.
• Eat small frequent meals: Large meals can cause postprandial hypotension (a drop in blood pressure after eating).
• Avoid sudden position changes: Stand up slowly to prevent dizziness from postural hypotension.
• Wear compression stockings: These helps prevent blood from pooling in the legs, if recommended by your doctor.
• Review medications: Some drugs may need adjustment if they are contributing to low blood pressure.

Visit a doctor in person if:

• Your blood pressure levels remain high.
• You have consistently high readings despite lifestyle adjustments.
• You experience symptoms such as chest discomfort, headaches, vision issues, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

You are pregnant and experiencing high blood pressure or other worrying signs.