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High blood pressure

High blood pressure usually causes no clear symptoms, but over time it can damage the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. The focus is therefore on reliable repeated measurements and overall risk, rather than panic over a single reading. Measuring correctly at home, supporting healthy habits and not changing medicines yourself are important parts of safe care.

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  • High blood pressure usually causes no clear symptoms, but over time it can damage the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes.
  • Diagnosis depends on repeated reliable measurements. One reading, especially during stress or pain, does not always tell enough.
  • Home monitoring helps only when the technique is correct: rest, a seated position, a correctly fitting upper-arm cuff and several measurements at different times.
  • A single high reading without symptoms usually does not call for panic. Urgent care is mainly needed when high blood pressure occurs with symptoms such as loss of neurological function, breathlessness or chest pain.
  • Never stop or change blood pressure medicines yourself without discussing it with a healthcare professional.

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Further reading

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G
Gestational diabetesGestational diabetes is high blood sugar diagnosed during pregnancy and usually causes no obvious symptoms. Nutrition, safe exercise, glucose monitoring and medicines if needed reduce risks for parent and baby. Monitoring remains necessary after birth because of an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
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Intensive care (ICU)Intensive care is for people so seriously ill or injured that important body functions need very close monitoring or temporary support. Breathing, blood pressure, the heart, kidneys or brain can be monitored intensively and supported with equipment or medicines when needed. An ICU admission is often distressing for both patient and family, and recovery can continue long after discharge with physical, cognitive or psychological symptoms.
D
Diabetes and pregnancyDiabetes before or during pregnancy requires extra support to monitor glucose (blood sugar), blood pressure, kidneys, eyes and the baby's growth. Ideally, start a shared plan before conception. Never stop or change medicines or insulin yourself.