Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls remains consistently elevated. This condition places extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. Many people with hypertension experience no noticeable symptoms, which is why it’s often called the “silent killer.” If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious complications affecting your heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs.
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Many people with hypertension don’t experience noticeable symptoms, particularly in the early stages. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
Several factors can contribute to the development of hypertension:
Having parents or close relatives with high blood pressure increases your likelihood of developing the condition
Blood pressure tends to rise with age as arteries become less flexible and more narrow over time
Carrying extra weight requires your heart to pump more blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to your tissues
Lack of regular exercise can lead to weight gain and makes your heart work harder to pump blood
Consuming too much sodium causes your body to retain fluid, which increases the volume of blood your heart must pump
Regular heavy drinking can raise blood pressure and may interfere with blood pressure medications
Tobacco use temporarily raises blood pressure and damages artery walls, making them more prone to narrowing
Long-term stress may contribute to high blood pressure through various mechanisms including increased heart rate
Having diabetes increases your risk of developing hypertension as both conditions affect blood vessel health
Problems with kidney function can affect your body’s ability to regulate blood pressure properly
Hypertension is classified into two main categories based on its underlying cause.
This accounts for about 90-95% of all cases and develops gradually over many years without an identifiable cause. It’s often related to lifestyle factors and genetic predisposition.
This type results from an underlying condition such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or certain medications. It often appears suddenly and tends to cause higher blood pressure readings than primary hypertension.
Diagnosing hypertension involves several measurements and tests to confirm elevated blood pressure readings and assess your overall cardiovascular health.
A portable device records your blood pressure over 24 hours, providing a detailed picture of fluctuations throughout the day and night.
This test records the electrical activity of your heart to check for signs of heart enlargement or irregular rhythms that may result from high blood pressure.
An ultrasound scan of your heart to assess heart structure and function, helping detect changes caused by high blood pressure.
A portable device worn for 24 hours or longer that continuously records your heart’s electrical activity during normal daily activities.
Most people with hypertension can achieve good blood pressure control through medications and lifestyle modifications.
When medications and lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient to control severe hypertension, certain procedures may be considered.
Consult our MOH-accredited specialist for a comprehensive diagnosis & personalised treatment plan today.
Preventing hypertension and managing high blood pressure involves maintaining a healthy weight through regular physical activity and a balanced diet low in sodium. Limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco use, and managing stress through relaxation techniques or counselling are also important.
You should see a cardiologist if you:
A cardiologist can perform specialised tests and recommend treatment to help you manage high blood pressure effectively and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Most people with hypertension require long-term medication, as stopping treatment usually causes blood pressure to rise again within days or weeks. Your doctor will regularly review your treatment and may adjust medications based on your response and overall health.
Yes, hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because many people have no symptoms despite dangerously high blood pressure. This is why regular blood pressure checks are recommended, even when you feel healthy.
Blood pressure naturally fluctuates based on your activity level, stress, what you’ve eaten, and your body’s daily rhythms. It’s typically lowest during sleep and highest in the morning, which is why consistent timing for measurements is recommended.
Even modest weight loss of 2-5 kg can lead to meaningful reductions in blood pressure for many people. The effect is often noticeable within weeks of starting a weight loss programme combined with regular physical activity.
Dr. Kua is a senior consultant cardiologist specialised in interventional cardiology and is the medical director at Carrington Cardiology.
Prior to this, he served as an International Cardiology Fellow and Honorary Consultant at Hammersmith Hospital Imperial Healthcare Trust, where he gained valuable experience in various prestigious healthcare institutions.
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-02 Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
Mon to Fri: 09:00am – 05:00pm
Sat: 09:00am – 12:30pm
Sun & Public Holidays: Closed
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Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-02 Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
Mon to Fri: 09:00am – 05:00pm
Sat: 09:00am – 12:30pm
Sun & Public Holidays: Closed
