High blood pressure (hypertension) usually has no symptoms but raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. Dr Sujith Chadala at Continental Hospitals, Gachibowli confirms the diagnosis with repeated and home readings, looks for causes and organ effects, and builds a treatment plan that combines lifestyle changes with the fewest medicines needed.
Information from the practice of Dr Sujith Chadala, MBBS, MD (General Medicine)
Overview
Blood pressure is considered high when it is repeatedly 140/90 mmHg or more in the clinic, or 135/85 mmHg or more on home readings. Because it rarely causes symptoms, many people find out only during a routine check-up or after a complication.
Hypertension often travels with high cholesterol, raised sugar, fatty liver and extra weight around the waist — together called metabolic syndrome. Treating them together is more effective than treating each number on its own.
Younger patients, or those whose pressure is very hard to control, are checked for underlying causes such as kidney, hormonal or sleep-related problems.
What this covers
- Newly detected high blood pressure
- Blood pressure that stays high despite medicines
- High cholesterol and triglycerides
- Fatty liver found on ultrasound
- Metabolic syndrome and weight-related health risks
- Side effects from blood pressure medicines
- Blood pressure monitoring at home
When should you see a doctor?
- Two or more readings of 140/90 mmHg or above
- Home readings that are often 135/85 mmHg or above
- Morning headaches, dizziness or nosebleeds with high readings
- High cholesterol or fatty liver on a health check-up
- A strong family history of heart attack or stroke at a young age
How care works
- 1
Confirm the numbers
Correctly measured clinic readings plus home readings avoid both missed hypertension and unnecessary tablets.
- 2
Look for causes and effects
Blood and urine tests, ECG and, where needed, an echocardiogram or ultrasound check the heart, kidneys and possible secondary causes.
- 3
Lifestyle first, medicines as needed
Salt, weight, activity, alcohol and sleep are addressed alongside the right medicine at the right dose.
- 4
Review to target
Readings are reviewed until they reach target, then checked periodically to keep them there.
Emergency warning signs
Call 108 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately if you notice:
- Blood pressure of 180/120 mmHg or higher with chest pain, breathlessness, severe headache, blurred vision or confusion
- Weakness of one side of the body or difficulty speaking
- Sudden severe headache unlike any before
Before your visit
- A week of home BP readings (morning and evening), with your machine
- Current medicines and any you stopped because of side effects
- Recent kidney, sugar and cholesterol reports
- Avoid tea, coffee and smoking for 30 minutes before the visit
Frequently asked questions
What blood pressure is considered normal?
A reading below 120/80 mmHg is normal. Readings between 120–139 systolic or 80–89 diastolic are above normal, and repeated readings of 140/90 mmHg or more are treated as hypertension. Targets for people already on treatment are set individually.
Can I stop BP tablets once my pressure is normal?
Do not stop on your own. Normal readings usually mean the medicine is working. In some people who lose weight or change lifestyle significantly, the dose can be reduced under supervision.
Which home BP machine should I use?
A validated automatic upper-arm machine with the correct cuff size is most reliable. Sit quietly for five minutes, keep the arm supported at heart level, and take two readings one minute apart.
Is high blood pressure always due to stress?
No. Stress can raise blood pressure for a short time, but persistent hypertension is mostly linked to genes, age, salt intake, weight, inactivity and sometimes kidney or hormonal conditions.
This page is general health information and does not replace a consultation. Treatment decisions depend on your examination and reports. See the medical disclaimer.