High blood pressure is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing. Thankfully, a doctor can offer treatment for this condition if it is caught early. This blog post explores how a GP can diagnose and treat high blood pressure. We will also provide some tips on how to reduce your risk of developing the condition. Read on to discover more!

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (hypertension), is a condition that occurs when the force of your blood against your artery walls is too high. Your blood pressure is affected by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to the flow of blood as it travels through your arteries. If you have high blood pressure, your heart must work much harder to pump blood around your body, increasing the risk for heart disease. 

The two types of high blood pressure are known as primary and secondary. Primary hypertension develops over time with no underlying medical cause, while another condition causes secondary hypertension. Certain lifestyle factors can contribute to high blood pressure, including smoking, being overweight or obese, eating too much salt, not exercising, and drinking too much alcohol. Some medical conditions can also cause hypertension, such as sleep apnea, kidney disease, and adrenal gland tumours. High blood pressure can be hazardous to your health because it makes the heart work harder and can damage arteries over time. If left the condition is not treated, it can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, or even death.

How can a GP diagnose and treat high blood pressure?

Fortunately, it is relatively easy for a GP to diagnose and treat high blood pressure. The first thing your doctor will do is to take a reading of your blood pressure. If the readings are consistently high, the GP will then look for possible causes, such as lifestyle factors or underlying medical conditions. Once a diagnosis has been made, the GP can prescribe medication to lower blood pressure and make lifestyle recommendations, such as exercising more and eating a healthy diet. By taking these steps, GPs can help patients manage their high blood pressure and reduce their risk of developing serious complications.

If you have any worries about your health or your blood pressure, you should book an appointment at a medical clinic. They will be able to carry out an assessment.