High blood pressure often has no symptoms, which is why it is sometimes called the silent condition. Left untreated it raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
Headaches, blurred vision, nosebleeds, shortness of breath and chest pain can all be warning signs, but most people will notice nothing. The only reliable way to know is to measure.
Adults over 40 should have a reading at least once a year, and sooner if there is a family history. A reading takes two minutes at our cardiology clinic or at most local pharmacies.
If your reading is high, your doctor may ask you to monitor at home for a week before deciding on treatment. Diet, exercise and, where needed, tablets can bring most people back into a safe range.
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