High Blood Pressure

You should consult a GP for high blood pressure (hypertension) in the following situations:

• Consistently high readings: If your blood pressure is persistently above 140/90 mmHg (or 130/80 mmHg if you have diabetes or kidney disease)
• Severe symptoms: If you have severe headaches, chest pain, dizziness, blurred vision, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds.
• Family history: If you have a family history of hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, or high cholesterol.
• Monitoring medication: If you are already on blood pressure medication
• Pregnancy: If you are planning a pregnancy or are currently pregnant and have high blood pressure
• Sudden increase: If your readings are suddenly very high (above 180/120 mmHg) with symptoms like chest pain, confusion, or difficulty breathing.

Most people with high blood pressure experience no symptoms, but severe hypertension may cause:

• Headaches
• Dizziness or blurred vision
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Nosebleeds
• Irregular heartbeat

High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high. It can develop over time due to various factors, including lifestyle choices, underlying health conditions, and genetics.

• Unhealthy diet: High salt (sodium), processed foods, and low potassium intake can raise blood pressure.
• Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain and poor circulation.
• Obesity: Excess body weight puts more strain on the heart, increasing blood pressure.
• Excessive alcohol & smoking: Both can damage blood vessels and elevate blood pressure.
• Chronic stress: Prolonged stress can lead to temporary spikes in blood pressure.
• Medical conditions: Kidney disease, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances can cause secondary hypertension.
• Genetics & age: A family history of high blood pressure or being over 40 increases risk.

Effective management involves lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication:

• Adopt a heart-healthy diet: Reduce sodium, eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
• Limit alcohol & quit smoking: Reducing both can significantly lower blood pressure.
• Manage stress: Practices like meditation and deep breathing can help.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Shedding extra kilos can help control blood pressure.
• Monitor blood pressure: Regular checks at home or with a GP are crucial.

Managing high blood pressure naturally involves lifestyle modifications such as:

• Reducing salt intake: High sodium levels contribute to hypertension. Aim for less than 5g of salt per day.
• Eating potassium-rich foods: Bananas, leafy greens, and avocados help balance sodium levels.
• Exercising regularly: 30 minutes of moderate activity (like walking) five days a week can significantly lower blood pressure.
• Maintaining a healthy weight: Losing even 5-10% of body weight can have a big impact.
• Managing stress: Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help control stress-related hypertension.
• Limiting alcohol and caffeine: Excessive intake can increase blood pressure over time.
• Quitting smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases hypertension risk.

Yes, excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure over time. Drinking alcohol:

• Increases heart rate, leading to temporary blood pressure spikes.
• Interferes with hypertension medications, reducing their effectiveness.
• Adds extra calories, which can lead to weight gain, a known risk factor for high blood pressure.

If you have hypertension, it is advised to limit alcohol to no more than 1-2 standard drinks per day, or avoid it altogether.

Uncontrolled blood pressure can affect organs over time, leading to serious complications:

• Heart: Increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
• Brain: Higher risk of stroke, cognitive decline, and dementia.
• Eyes: Can cause hypertensive retinopathy, leading to vision problems.
• Kidneys: High blood pressure damages kidney function, increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease.
• Arteries: Causes arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis, leading to reduced blood flow.

Proper blood pressure control through medications, diet, and lifestyle changes is essential to protect vital organs.

Yes, you can access an after-hours doctor for high blood pressure through telehealth services like Hola Health. Online GP services are available 24/7, allowing you to speak to a doctor from the comfort of your home, even on weekends and public holidays.

This is especially helpful if you experience sudden blood pressure spikes, dizziness, or symptoms like headaches or chest discomfort outside of regular clinic hours. While mild to moderate hypertension can be managed remotely, if your symptoms suggest a medical emergency (such as severe chest pain or difficulty breathing), call 000 immediately.

Instantly connect to a registered practitioner within 15 minutes from anywhere in Australia, 24/7 for:

• Telehealth appointments
• Online scripts
• Medical certificates
• Online doctor referrals