Understanding hypertension: Causes, symptoms & care

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition that many New Zealanders live with unknowingly. Find out about testing and proactive prevention.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, often develops without noticeable symptoms, yet it can significantly impact your health if left unmanaged. The good news is that hypertension is both preventable and manageable with the right knowledge and care.

In this blog post, Tend’s leading doctors in NZ guide you through the essential facts about hypertension. What it is, its causes and how you can effectively manage it to help you take control of your health and well-being with confidence.

What is hypertension or high blood pressure?

Also known as: Mate pēhanga toto, high blood pressure

Hypertension / high blood pressure affects about 1 in 5 New Zealanders.

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Before we discuss hypertension, let’s look at blood pressure: Blood pressure measures how hard your heart works to pump blood around your body. It’s natural for blood pressure to fluctuate throughout the day, increasing with activity or stress.

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Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. This can strain your heart and blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of serious health issues like heart disease and stroke.

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Brief periods of elevated blood pressure are completely normal. Hypertension is when the average blood pressure is consistently too high over a long period of time. Because of this, hypertension is diagnosed over many blood pressure readings, usually over the course of a few months. A single high blood pressure reading doesn’t necessarily mean you have hypertension.

How is blood pressure measured?

Millimetres of mercury (mmHg) is the unit of measurement used to record blood pressure. The measurement consists of two parts:

• Systolic pressure – the peak blood pressure when your heart beats.
• Diastolic pressure – the blood pressure when your heart is resting between beats (and fills with blood).

Your blood pressure is recorded as the combination of these two measurements: systolic blood pressure/diastolic blood pressure (e.g. 120/80). The normal diastolic blood pressure reading is usually between 70–80 mmHg. Blood pressure that is consistently elevated above 140/90mmHg or higher is usually considered to be hypertension.

Potential complications of high blood pressure

Prolonged hypertension can harm your blood vessels, increasing the risk of serious health problems, including:

• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Angina (chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart)
• Heart failure
• Kidney failure
• Impaired eyesight (due to damage to the blood vessels in the eyes)
• Peripheral artery disease (narrowing of the arteries, reducing blood flow to the limbs)
• Erectile dysfunction

The good news is that high blood pressure can often be effectively managed. For many people, adopting healthier lifestyle habits like improving diet, exercising regularly and reducing stress can make a big difference. However, in some cases, medication may also be required to control blood pressure and prevent complications.

Several factors can contribute to the development of hypertension, including:

Unhealthy lifestyle habits

• High salt intake
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Lack of regular exercise
• Being overweight or obese

Smoking and diet

• Smoking increases blood pressure and damages blood vessels
• Consuming foods high in saturated fats can worsen hypertension

Underlying health conditions

• Kidney disease can sometimes lead to elevated blood pressure

Family history

• A genetic predisposition, such as a parent with high blood pressure, increases your risk

By addressing these risk factors through healthy lifestyle changes and regular medical check-ups, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing hypertension or manage it more effectively.

You cannot ‘feel’ hypertension. Usually, those people who have hypertension will be unaware of it until they get tested by a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Most GPs will check your blood pressure when they see you, just in case. They may also do a heart risk assessment based on factors such as your age, sex, ethnicity, cholesterol levels, smoking history, blood pressure, and family history.

High blood pressure is often managed with lifestyle changes, however, some people may need medication.

Medications

Many medications can help lower blood pressure including:

• Beta-blockers
• Diuretics
• Calcium channel blockers
• ARBs
• ACE inhibitors
• Often those who need to take blood pressure medication will have to take it for the rest of their life. They may also need a combination of different types.
• People who have hypertension are more at risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke. To minimise this risk, they may also be prescribed aspirin or cholesterol-lowering medications.

Proactive protection

Preventing hypertension involves adopting healthier habits and making proactive choices to support your overall well-being:

Quit smoking

• Smoking increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Quitting is one of the best steps you can take to protect your heart and blood
  vessels

Focus on nutrition

• Eat a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits (aim for around 8 servings a day)
• Include 2–3 servings of low-fat dairy products in your daily meals
• Reduce salt, alcohol, and saturated fat intake to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels

Stay active

• Engage in 30–60 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Regular exercise supports heart health, helps manage weight, and
  reduces blood pressure

Manage your weight

• Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for lowering your risk of hypertension

Reduce stress levels

• Practise relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or yoga to actively manage stress, which can contribute to elevated
  blood pressure
• Making these lifestyle changes not only reduces your risk of hypertension but also promotes better overall health and vitality. Small,
  consistent efforts can lead to big, lasting results!

When should I see a doctor?

You should get regular blood pressure tests if you belong to one of the groups that are more prone to hypertension. You should also get regular checks if you:

1. Have a family history of diabetes, high cholesterol, heart conditions, or strokes.
2. Have gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
3. Are prediabetic or have been diagnosed with diabetes.
4. Have kidney disease.
5. Are living with a serious mental illness, such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.
6. Smoke or have a history of smoking.
7. Are overweight.

Regular blood pressure checks can help detect issues early and allow for timely intervention to prevent complications.

Which specialist should I visit?

For hypertension management and prevention, you may consider consulting:

• Your GP (General Practitioner): Your first point of contact for diagnosing and managing high blood pressure. They can recommend lifestyle
  changes or prescribe medication if needed.
• Nutritionist or Dietitian: To create a personalised meal plan that supports heart health and helps maintain healthy blood pressure.
• Cardiologist: If your hypertension is severe or linked to other heart-related issues.
• Endocrinologist: If your high blood pressure is associated with hormonal issues, such as diabetes or thyroid dysfunction.

Seeking expert guidance ensures you receive the right care tailored to your health needs.

How long hypertension lasts depends on its cause. Some people whose high blood pressure is caused by lifestyle factors may be able to get it under control in a few months if they make lifestyle changes (e.g. by losing weight). Others who have more severe or other underlying issues may have hypertension for the rest of their life. However, with the right support, high blood pressure can be managed.

Hypertension is a serious condition, but it is manageable with the right knowledge, proactive prevention, and consistent care. By making healthier lifestyle choices and doing regular blood pressure checks, you can take significant steps toward reducing your risks and improving your overall health.

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At Tend Health, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you need expert advice, routine monitoring, or personalised treatment plans, our dedicated team of doctors and nurses is available online or in-clinic to provide the care you deserve.
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You can book this the Tend app under Services > Mental Wellness > Healthy Lifestyle Consultation.

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