High blood pressure is the common term for hypertension: a condition in which the force of blood against the artery walls is persistently elevated. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and expressed as systolic (peak pressure when the heart beats) over diastolic (pressure between beats). A reading consistently above 140/90 mmHg is defined as hypertension in most adults.
High blood pressure is one of the most common and important modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. It is largely asymptomatic (most people have no symptoms, which is why it is sometimes called the ‘silent killer’) and is frequently discovered incidentally at a routine health check. Long-term uncontrolled high blood pressure accelerates atherosclerosis, increases the risk of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke, and is a significant contributor to the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
For cardiac arrest survivors, blood pressure control is a central component of secondary prevention. Target blood pressure is generally below 130/80 mmHg in high-risk patients. Both lifestyle measures (reduced salt, regular exercise, healthy weight, alcohol restriction) and antihypertensive medications are used to achieve these targets.
For detailed information on causes, investigations, and treatment, see Hypertension.
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