High Blood Pressure: What the Numbers Mean and How It’s Managed

High blood pressure (hypertension) is very common, affecting about 1 in 3 Australian adults according to healthdirect. It usually causes no symptoms, so the only way to know is to have it checked. Left untreated, it increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. The good news is that it can be managed with lifestyle changes and, when needed, medicine prescribed and monitored by your doctor.

This article explains what your blood pressure numbers mean, how to measure it accurately at home, what affects it, how it’s managed and when to get help.

What do the numbers mean?

Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It’s written as two numbers, for example 120/80 mmHg:

• Systolic (top number): the pressure when your heart beats and pushes blood out.
• Diastolic (bottom number): the pressure when your heart relaxes between beats.

One high reading doesn’t mean you have high blood pressure. It naturally goes up and down through the day, and can be higher when you’re stressed, in pain, have just exercised or had caffeine, or are at the doctor’s (sometimes called “white coat” hypertension). A diagnosis is based on several readings taken on different occasions, often including home readings or a 24-hour monitor.

Why it’s called a “silent” condition

Most people with high blood pressure feel completely well. Very high blood pressure can sometimes cause headaches, dizziness, nosebleeds or blurred vision, but you can’t rely on symptoms to tell you your blood pressure is high. That’s why regular checks matter. Healthdirect recommends adults have their blood pressure checked at least every 2 years, and more often if it has been high before or you have other risk factors.

What increases the risk?

• getting older
• a family history of high blood pressure
• a diet high in salt
• being physically inactive
• carrying extra weight
• drinking alcohol regularly or heavily
• smoking or vaping
• conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, some hormonal conditions and sleep apnoea
• some medicines, including some anti-inflammatory pain relievers, decongestants and hormonal medicines

If you take any regular medicines or supplements, ask your pharmacist or doctor whether they could affect your blood pressure.

Measuring your blood pressure at home

Home readings give your doctor a clearer picture than a single reading at a clinic. Many pharmacies also have blood pressure machines or can check it for you. If you use a home monitor, choose an automatic upper-arm cuff that fits your arm, and:

1. avoid caffeine, smoking and exercise for 30 minutes beforehand
2. sit quietly for 5 minutes with your back supported and feet flat on the floor
3. rest your arm on a table so the cuff is at the level of your heart, on bare skin
4. stay still and don’t talk during the reading
5. take two readings, a minute or so apart, and write both down
6. if your doctor asks, measure morning and evening for about a week

Bring your readings, or a photo of your log, to your appointment.

How high blood pressure is managed

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes can lower blood pressure on their own, and they help even if you also need medicine:

• Cut back on salt. Much of our salt comes from packaged and takeaway foods, so check labels and cook from fresh ingredients when you can.
• Eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, wholegrains and legumes, and choose reduced-fat dairy, fish and unsalted nuts. See our article on diet and wellbeing.
• Move more. Aim for regular moderate activity, such as brisk walking, on most days.
• Work towards a healthy weight, if you’re carrying extra weight.
• Limit alcohol. Australian guidelines recommend healthy adults drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 on any one day. Less is better for blood pressure.
• Quit smoking and vaping. Support is available from Quitline (13 7848) or through our stop smoking consultations.
• Look after your sleep, and speak to a doctor if you snore heavily or feel very tired during the day, as sleep apnoea can raise blood pressure.

Medicine, if it’s needed

If your blood pressure stays high despite lifestyle changes, or your overall risk of heart disease and stroke is high, your doctor may recommend medicine. There are several types of blood pressure medicine that work in different ways, and many people need more than one to reach their target. Your doctor will choose treatment based on your readings, your other health conditions, your other medicines and any side effects.

Blood pressure medicine is usually long term. Some medicines need blood tests to check kidney function and salt levels. Don’t stop or change your medicine without talking to your doctor, even if your readings improve, and let your doctor know if you have side effects such as dizziness when standing up.

When to see a GP

• You haven’t had your blood pressure checked in the past 2 years.
• Your home or pharmacy readings are often 140/90 or higher.
• You’re pregnant and have a high reading, headaches, vision changes or swelling. See a doctor the same day.
• You think your medicine is causing side effects.
• You’re running low on your regular medicine.

When to get urgent help

Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department if you have a high reading together with any of these:

• chest pain or tightness
• severe shortness of breath
• a sudden, severe headache
• confusion, drowsiness, a seizure or vomiting
• sudden changes in vision
• weakness, numbness or drooping on one side of the face or body, or trouble speaking

If you get a very high reading but feel well, rest for a few minutes and measure again. If it’s still very high, seek medical advice the same day.

How Teldoc can help

Our AHPRA-registered GPs consult by phone or video, 7 days a week from 9 am to 7 pm (Sydney time), and most patients are seen within 15 minutes. If you’re already being treated for high blood pressure, your doctor can:

• review your home or pharmacy readings and how you’re going
• provide a prescription for your regular medicine if clinically appropriate, with an eScript sent to your phone
• arrange blood tests, such as kidney function and cholesterol, through our pathology referrals
• provide a specialist referral if needed

Blood pressure can’t be measured over video, so you’ll need recent readings from home or a pharmacy. A new diagnosis may also need a physical examination, and we don’t provide chronic disease management plans, so ongoing care is often shared with a regular GP. General consultations are $55 on weekdays and $75 on weekends and public holidays, with no Medicare rebate. See our fees page or read more about blood pressure consultations.

Frequently asked questions

What is a normal blood pressure?

For most adults, normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure is generally a reading that is consistently 140/90 mmHg or higher.

Does high blood pressure cause symptoms?

Usually not. Most people with high blood pressure feel well, which is why regular checks are important. Very high blood pressure can sometimes cause headaches, dizziness, nosebleeds or vision problems.

How often should I have my blood pressure checked?

Healthdirect recommends adults have their blood pressure checked at least every 2 years, and more often if it has been high before or you have other risk factors.

Can lifestyle changes lower blood pressure?

Yes. Eating less salt, being active, keeping to a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and not smoking can all lower blood pressure, whether or not you also need medicine.

Can I stop my blood pressure medicine if my readings are normal?

Don’t stop without talking to your doctor. Normal readings often mean the medicine is working, and stopping suddenly can cause your blood pressure to rise again.

This article is general health information and isn’t a substitute for advice from your own doctor. If you’re worried about your health, speak to a GP. In an emergency, call 000.

Medically reviewed by Dr Vafa Derakshan (MBBS, FRACGP), September 2026