Clinical cardiology
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- Consultation & follow-up
High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms, yet over time it strains the heart, arteries, brain and kidneys. Diagnosing it accurately and keeping it under control is one of the most effective ways to prevent heart attack, stroke and heart failure.
At a glance
- Often causes no symptoms; measuring is the only way to know
- Diagnosis relies on correct measurement, including home readings
- Lifestyle changes help everyone with raised blood pressure
- Many people also need medicines to reach their target
- Regular follow-up keeps treatment on track
What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the artery walls. It is written as two numbers, systolic (when the heart beats) over diastolic (between beats), in mmHg.
The 2024 European guidelines define hypertension as a clinic blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher, confirmed with repeat measurements or with home or 24-hour readings. A clinic reading of 120–139/70–89 mmHg is described as elevated blood pressure. Treatment targets are set individually.
Measuring blood pressure correctly at home
Home readings are very useful, as long as they are taken correctly:
- use a validated, automatic upper-arm monitor with the correct cuff size
- avoid caffeine, smoking and exercise for 30 minutes beforehand
- sit quietly for 5 minutes with your back supported, feet flat and arm resting at heart level
- take two readings one minute apart, in the morning and the evening, and write them down
- bring your record to your appointment
An average home reading of 135/85 mmHg or above is generally considered high.
Dr. Qureshi explains · YouTube
How to Correctly Measure Blood Pressure at Home | Step-by-Step Guide بلڈ پریشر چیک کرنے کا طریقہ
Video · 4:58 · Watch on YouTube
More from the channel
- Ten BP control tips and home remedies | Expert advice - by Cardiologist
- Best DASH Diet for Hypertension: Eat This to Lower Blood Pressure!
- How Much Salt Can Heart Patients Eat? | Hypertension & Heart Failure Salt Guide
- Don’t check your BP after these 5 things! Wait 30 minutes for a more accurate reading.
Lifestyle: salt, diet and activity
- reduce salt: guidelines suggest about 5 g of salt a day (roughly one teaspoon), including salt already in foods such as pickles, snacks and processed foods
- eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, pulses and whole grains, in a DASH-style eating pattern
- be physically active on most days
- aim for a healthy weight and waist size
- stop smoking and avoid alcohol
- sleep well, and look for practical ways to manage stress
Medicines and follow-up
Most people with hypertension need medicines to reach their target, often a combination, sometimes in a single tablet. Commonly used groups include ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium-channel blockers and thiazide-type diuretics, with others added when needed. Take your medicines every day, even when you feel well, and never stop them without advice.
When high blood pressure needs a cardiologist
- blood pressure that stays high despite several medicines
- high blood pressure with chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations or known heart disease
- very high readings, or high blood pressure at a young age
- when a secondary cause of high blood pressure is suspected
Blood pressure in pregnancy
High blood pressure in pregnancy needs careful monitoring by your obstetric team, because it can affect both mother and baby. Dr. Qureshi’s series on women’s heart health on YouTube explains warning signs in Urdu:
Questions patients ask
Can I stop my blood pressure medicine once my readings are normal?
No. Normal readings usually mean the medicine is working. Stopping can let blood pressure rise again. Discuss any change with your doctor.
Why is my blood pressure higher in the clinic than at home?
Some people have higher readings in clinical settings (the “white-coat” effect). Home or 24-hour readings help build an accurate picture.
Are wrist monitors accurate?
Validated upper-arm monitors are generally preferred for home measurement.
References
- McEvoy JW, et al. 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of elevated blood pressure and hypertension. Eur Heart J 2024;45:3912–4018. doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehae178 (opens in a new tab)
- Regitz-Zagrosek V, et al. 2018 ESC Guidelines for the management of cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy. Eur Heart J 2018;39:3165–3241. doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehy340 (opens in a new tab)
This page is general information about the condition or procedure, not personal medical advice. Whether a test or treatment is right for you is decided at your consultation. Medical disclaimer.
On this page
Book a consultation
- Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC), Room 8
- Monday to Friday, 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- +92 307 5793387
Related
Related services
CONSULTATION
Assessing cardiovascular risk early and reducing the chance of future events.
CONSULTATION
Diagnosis, guideline-based medicines and self-care for a weak or stiff heart.
CONSULTATION
Understanding your lipid profile, including Lp(a), and lowering your risk.
Book a consultation with Dr. Qureshi
Clinic at Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC), Room 8. Monday to Friday, 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Call or WhatsApp +92 307 5793387.