High blood pressure earns its nickname honestly. It is silent, it is common, and it does its damage to the heart, brain and kidneys long before anyone feels unwell.
Getting the diagnosis right first
A single high reading in a clinic is not hypertension. Anxiety, a rushed journey and a badly sized cuff all push the number up. We confirm the diagnosis properly — with repeat readings and, where useful, home monitoring — before committing anyone to lifelong medication.
Treatment is not only tablets
Medication is often necessary, but it works alongside changes that make a measurable difference: reducing salt, losing even a modest amount of weight, regular activity, limiting alcohol and treating sleep problems.
- Reducing dietary salt, particularly packaged and restaurant food
- Weight reduction where relevant
- Regular physical activity
- Limiting alcohol
- Managing stress and sleep
Why follow-up decides the outcome
Blood pressure control is judged over months, not at one visit. Many people stop treatment once they feel fine — which is precisely when it is working. Regular review keeps the dose right and catches problems early.
If you also have diabetes, the two conditions are managed together; see diabetes care.