Dr Hanna-Friida Konks: high blood pressure can go unnoticed if it isn’t measured
High blood pressure is a health concern that can go unnoticed for a long time, since it often doesn't cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages.
Meliva general practitioner Dr Hanna-Friida Konks explains why it’s important to check your blood pressure regularly.
High blood pressure isn’t always something people think to suspect
One of the main reasons high blood pressure goes unnoticed is not having a blood pressure monitor at home. If someone can’t check their blood pressure regularly, they may have no idea they’re at risk. “In many cases, patients don’t feel any symptoms at all, even when their blood pressure has risen significantly,” says Dr Konks. “Mild symptoms, like fatigue, headache, or anxiety, can easily seem like the result of everyday stress or lack of sleep, so people don’t necessarily connect them with high blood pressure.”
It’s also possible for blood pressure to go unmeasured during a doctor’s visit altogether, especially if the patient’s concerns are about something else entirely, like muscle pain or digestive issues. “For patients with risk factors, regularly measuring blood pressure is the only way to catch and treat the problem in time,” Dr Konks stresses. That’s why it’s important for people in risk groups to monitor their blood pressure regularly, even without any symptoms. Other patients should be approached individually and as needed, taking their overall health picture into account.
You should always see a doctor if your blood pressure exceeds the normal range
Blood pressure above the normal threshold of 140/90 mmHg always warrants attention and a doctor’s assessment. “Any blood pressure above normal increases the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease,” says Dr Konks. This means that even moderately elevated blood pressure, left untreated, can lead to serious health problems. A patient’s overall health, any accompanying conditions, and lifestyle also need to be taken into account to assess risk holistically.
If blood pressure rises above 200/130 mmHg, the situation becomes critical and requires immediate medical intervention. “Blood pressure this high carries a risk of complications such as stroke, heart attack, or kidney damage, which can develop very quickly.” That’s why readings like this should never be delayed on — help should be sought immediately.
While blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg might not initially seem particularly alarming, it represents a significant long-term health risk. For elevated blood pressure, the doctor puts together a treatment plan aimed at reducing long-term risks and protecting the patient’s health. “If left unaddressed, the consequences can range from milder symptoms, such as feeling unwell, headaches, and dizziness, all the way to serious conditions like heart failure, heart attack, and stroke,” Dr Konks warns.
