What is hypertension?

'When the heart beats, it pumps blood through the arteries to bring oxygen and energy to the body's tissues. The force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is blood pressure. High blood pressure means that the pressure in the blood vessels is too high. This is also called hypertension.'

Continuous high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels and eventually lead to various health problems. Usually, the cause of high blood pressure is unknown and sometimes there will be no symptoms. However, there are risk factors that can contribute to high blood pressure.

What are the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure?

Signs and symptoms of high blood pressure can include:

dizziness
headaches
vision problems
shortness of breath

However, most people with high blood pressure do not have symptoms.

How is hypertension diagnosed?

To calculate blood pressure correctly, measurements are needed at different times. More than one measurement is needed because blood pressure changes depending on the activity at the time of measurement and varies throughout the day. For example, it may increase after excitement or intense physical activity.

If your blood pressure is high when measured in the doctor's office but normal at home, it may simply be due to psychological factors. What is important is what happens to your blood pressure outside the doctor's office and on a daily basis.

Measuring your blood pressure

Normal blood pressure should be:

140/90 mmHg or lower for most people
135/85 mmHg or lower if measured at home
130/80 mmHg or lower for people with diabetes

The top number is the blood pressure when the heart beats (that is, when it contracts). This is also called the systolic blood pressure. The bottom number is the blood pressure when the heart relaxes. This is called the diastolic blood pressure. The top number, the bottom number, or both numbers could indicate high blood pressure and their measurement is equally important.

If you have high blood pressure, you need to:

monitor with regular measurements
reduce salt in your food and any foods that contain it
physical activity (in consultation with your doctor)

Instructions for correctly measuring blood pressure:

Rest for 5 minutes before measuring
Wait at least 30 minutes after drinking coffee or smoking to measur
Do not wear tight clothing during the measurement
Sit with your feet on the floor, your back supported and your arm resting at heart level on a table.
Measure your pressure more than once with an interval of at least 2 minutes.
Measure your pressure twice a day for 7-10 days to find an average blood pressure. The measurements should be evaluated by your doctor.
To ensure an accurate measurement, do not talk, eat, watch TV, or play with your phone while measuring your blood pressure.