High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Book a consultation with one of our doctors if:

You haven't had your blood pressure checked in over a year, especially if you're an adult.
You're concerned about your blood pressure and want to get it checked.
You're experiencing mild symptoms that might be related to high blood pressure, such as occasional headaches, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
You've made lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) to manage blood pressure but are unsure if they're effective.
You have a family history of high blood pressure and want to take preventive measures.
You experience severe headaches, especially in the morning.
You have sudden or persistent chest pain, difficulty breathing, or blood in your urine.
You experience significant changes in vision, such as blurred vision or temporary vision loss.
Your blood pressure reading at home is consistently very high (generally above 180/110 mmHg).
You suspect you might have a hypertensive crisis (sudden, severe increase in blood pressure with concerning symptoms).

Information

Book a consultation with one of our doctors if:

You haven't had your blood pressure checked in over a year, especially if you're an adult.
You're concerned about your blood pressure and want to get it checked.
You're experiencing mild symptoms that might be related to high blood pressure, such as occasional headaches, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
You've made lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) to manage blood pressure but are unsure if they're effective.
You have a family history of high blood pressure and want to take preventive measures.
You experience severe headaches, especially in the morning.
You have sudden or persistent chest pain, difficulty breathing, or blood in your urine.
You experience significant changes in vision, such as blurred vision or temporary vision loss.
Your blood pressure reading at home is consistently very high (generally above 180/110 mmHg).
You suspect you might have a hypertensive crisis (sudden, severe increase in blood pressure with concerning symptoms).

Do’s:

Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of high blood pressure. Aim for gradual weight loss through a healthy diet and exercise.
Eat a balanced diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit saturated and unhealthy fats, sodium (salt), and added sugar. Consider dietary approaches like DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) for guidance.
Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Reduce stress: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
Limit alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure.
Don't smoke: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
Monitor your blood pressure regularly: Measure your blood pressure at home or the clinic as directed by your doctor.
Take medications as prescribed: If your doctor prescribes medication to manage your blood pressure, take it exactly as directed.
Schedule regular checkups: See your doctor for regular checkups to monitor your blood pressure and overall health.

Don'ts:

Ignore high blood pressure readings: High blood pressure, even if you don't feel symptoms, can lead to serious health complications.
Add extra salt to your food: Most of the sodium we consume comes from processed foods. Avoid adding extra salt at the table.
Eat excessive saturated and unhealthy fats: These can contribute to hardening of arteries and increase blood pressure risk.
Drink sugary beverages: Sugary drinks can contribute to weight gain and increase blood pressure risk.
Become discouraged: Managing high blood pressure is a lifelong process. There may be setbacks, but focus on long-term healthy habits.

Possible Questions:

Have you noticed any headaches, particularly in the morning?
Do you experience any dizziness, lightheadedness, or blurry vision?
Have you had any difficulty breathing or chest pain?
Have you noticed any blood in your urine?
Have you experienced any recent nosebleeds?
Do you smoke or use any tobacco products?
How often do you consume alcohol?
Can you describe your typical daily diet?
Do you exercise regularly?
How much stress do you typically experience?
Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease)?
Have you ever been diagnosed with high blood pressure before?
Are you currently taking any medications?
Does anyone in your family have a history of high blood pressure or heart disease?

1.Symptoms

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms, which is why it's important to have regular checkups. However, in some cases, it can cause:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Visit our Symptoms & Causes page for more information

2.Diagnosis

How is high blood pressure diagnosed?

LIPS doctors diagnose high blood pressure using a combination of methods, including:
- Medical history and physical exam
- Blood pressure reading taken on multiple occasions
- Blood tests to check for underlying conditions
- Urine test
- Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information

What happens during a consultation for high blood pressure at LIPS?

During your consultation, a LIPS doctor will discuss your medical history, lifestyle habits, and any symptoms you may be experiencing. They will also perform a physical exam and take your blood pressure. Based on this information, the doctor will recommend the most appropriate diagnostic tests.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

3.Treatment

What are the treatment options for high blood pressure?

Treatment for high blood pressure depends on the severity of your condition and your overall health. LIPS doctors may recommend a combination of:
- Lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, weight management, exercise, and stress reduction
- Medication to lower blood pressure
- Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information

How can LIPS help me manage my high blood pressure?

LIPS offers a comprehensive approach to high blood pressure management. Our team of specialists will work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and helps you achieve optimal blood pressure control.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

4.Insurance

At LIPS we work with a wide range of insurance providers

Will my insurance cover high blood pressure treatment?

Coverage for high blood pressure treatment can vary depending on your individual insurance plan. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to determine your specific coverage. Our team at LIPS can also assist you with obtaining pre-authorisation from your insurance company if needed.

How does LIPS work with the National Health Service?

Our goal is to give you answers as quickly as possible and get you on the right treatment path fast – no strings attached. When you come to us, you will be seen by a qualified specialist who can determine if your situation is serious or not that same day. We don’t want you to wait weeks on end for an appointment because every minute counts when it comes to something as important as your health. If your situation is serious, our specialist will write to your doctor on the NHS advising them that you need an urgent appointment.