Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common condition that can lead to serious health issues including heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. It can develop at any age and often has no obvious symptoms, which is why regular monitoring is important. Hypertension is often called the ‘silent condition’ because many people have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur — particularly in severe or uncontrolled hypertension — they may include headaches, blurred vision, chest pain, or nosebleeds. Dizziness may also occur, particularly if blood pressure changes suddenly.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, MBBS, FRACGP, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Hola Health.

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 to consult an AHPRA-registered doctor online, 24/7 across Australia.

Start your telehealth 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

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

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.

How high blood pressure affects organs?

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

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

What are the causes and symptoms for low blood pressure?

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.

Prevention tips for low blood pressure?

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.