Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is a chronic condition and can lead to serious health issues. Blood pressure may start at any age, and the symptoms could change as the patient ages. Some of the common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, chest pain and nosebleeds. Other serious symptoms could be shortness of breath and Irregular heartbeat. Here’s more.

When to consult a doctor for blood pressure?

If your blood pressure is consistently high

If your blood pressure is constantly high, it might affect your heart, kidneys or overall health. It is important to see a doctor and get early treatment to manage it.

If there are other symptoms and no improvement

If you experience symptoms such as chest pain, severe headaches, shortness of breath or vision changes, it might mean you need urgent medical attention. See a doctor if your blood pressure does not improve even with medication.

If blood pressure runs in the family

If hypertension runs in your family and you are genetically predisposed to get a heart attack or if you have heart disease or kidney disease, seek medical advice and periodical monitoring from a health practitioner.

This guide does not replace professional care. Consult a doctor to manage your symptoms. In emergencies, call 000 or visit a hospital immediately. The content is research-backed & medically reviewed by Dr Vishnu Gopalan, Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer at Hola.

Causes of blood pressure

Blood Pressure can be the result of various factors, including:

Family history of hypertension.
High intake of salt, processed foods, smoking and alcohol.
Lack of regular exercise.
Obesity can strain the heart.
Smoking damages blood vessels and raises pressure.
Chronic stress can lead to temporary spikes in blood pressure.
Underlying conditions, such as kidney disease.

Prevention

Prevention of high blood pressure often involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Key steps include adopting a balanced, low-salt, heart-healthy diet to improve cardiovascular health. Patients should also take prescribed blood pressure medications exactly as directed by their doctor. It is crucial to review your treatment plan regularly with your doctor or GP. With a GP’s advice, some self-care steps and prevention methods for blood pressure could include:

Check your blood pressure regularly at home
Maintain a healthy weight and stay active
Reduce salt, caffeine, and processed food intake
Stay hydrated and get adequate sleep daily
Manage stress and avoid overworking yourself
Follow up early if hypertension runs in the family.

Telehealth access for blood pressure

It is important to speak to a GP first to understand and manage your symptoms.

Hola Health provides a convenient way for you to consult a doctor online, 24/7 across Australia. Our AHPRA-registered Australian online GP will conduct a comprehensive assessment to provide the best possible care.

Start your GP consult now

Clinical note: An online GP consult provides medical advice for managing hypertension and evaluates if an in-person assessment or diagnostic tests (like blood tests or ECGs) are needed. Online GPs can provide prescriptions for renewal or pathology referrals if clinically indicated. Telehealth is a complementary service; a physical examination and in-clinic blood pressure monitoring are the gold standards for initial diagnosis. Telehealth assessments rely on the accuracy of home readings provided by the patient. The GP may discuss lower treatment targets and combination therapies. If you experience a sudden “Thunderclap” headache, severe chest pain, or a very high blood pressure reading, call 000 or visit an Emergency Department immediately. We recommend sharing your consult summaries with your regular GP to ensure continuity of care.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a doctor measure my blood pressure during an online consultation?

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. 

What can an online doctor do for my blood pressure? 

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

Can an online doctor refer me to get additional investigations like blood tests or an ECG? 

Yes. After assessing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor may order blood tests, ECG, advanced imaging, or other investigations that are clinically appropriate. 

What lifestyle adjustments would an online doctor recommend for high blood pressure? 

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

Can I obtain a prescription for blood pressure medications after a telehealth consult? 

It depends. After analysing your medical history and blood pressure data, your doctor may prescribe a blood pressure medication if it is clinically indicated. Prescriptions aren’t guaranteed. 

Can I get a care plan for chronic high blood pressure through telehealth? 

Yes. Telehealth may be useful in supporting ongoing monitoring and chronic illness management planning for high blood pressure, if applicable. Some patients may still require regular in-person evaluations or physical examinations.  