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Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Persistently high pressure inside the arteries. It often has no symptoms but silently damages the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes over time.
Causes & risk factors
- Age and family history
- High salt intake
- Obesity and lack of exercise
- Excess alcohol and smoking
- Long-term stress
- Kidney or hormonal disorders (secondary causes)
Common symptoms
- Often no symptoms ("silent killer")
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Chest discomfort
- Breathlessness
Tests & diagnosis
- Repeated blood pressure readings
- ECG
- Kidney function test
- Lipid profile
- Blood sugar
- Echocardiogram
Treatment & management
- Reduce salt, eat more fruit and vegetables, and lose excess weight
- Regular exercise and limiting alcohol
- Stop smoking
- Blood-pressure-lowering medicines when lifestyle alone is not enough
- Regular home monitoring and follow-up
When to see a doctor urgently
- Seek emergency care for a very high reading with chest pain, severe headache, breathlessness or weakness on one side
- See a doctor if home readings stay high despite treatment
- Get checked at least yearly even if you feel well
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about hypertension (high blood pressure). It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal blood pressure?
Around 120/80 mmHg is considered normal for most adults; your doctor sets your personal target.
Do I need medicine for life?
Many people do, but some can reduce doses with strong lifestyle changes. Never stop medicine on your own.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.