High Blood Pressure: When to See a GP

High Blood Pressure: When to See a GP

High blood pressure (hypertension) affects 1 in 3 Australian adults but is often called “the silent killer” because it has no symptoms until it causes a heart attack, stroke, or kidney damage. A simple 2-minute GP check can detect it early, and lifestyle changes or medication can dramatically reduce your long-term risk.

What Do the Numbers Mean?

Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and given as two numbers:

  • Systolic (top number): Pressure when your heart beats
  • Diastolic (bottom number): Pressure when your heart rests between beats

Australian Heart Foundation categories:

  • Normal: Below 120/80 mmHg
  • Normal-to-high: 120–139 / 80–89 mmHg
  • Mild hypertension: 140–159 / 90–99 mmHg
  • Moderate hypertension: 160–179 / 100–109 mmHg
  • Severe hypertension: 180+ / 110+ mmHg

Why Does High Blood Pressure Matter?

Untreated hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Sustained high blood pressure:

  • Doubles the risk of heart attack
  • Doubles the risk of stroke
  • Is a leading cause of kidney failure
  • Can cause vision loss and retinal damage
  • Accelerates dementia and cognitive decline

The good news: lowering blood pressure even modestly can reduce these risks dramatically. A 10 mmHg drop in systolic blood pressure reduces stroke risk by about 27%.

Symptoms — Usually None

Hypertension is silent in most people. Some people with very high blood pressure experience headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, or nosebleeds, but these are unreliable signs. The only way to know your blood pressure is to have it measured.

Because symptoms are absent, everyone aged 18 and over should have their blood pressure checked at least every 2 years — more often if you have risk factors.

Who Should Have More Frequent Checks?

  • Anyone over 40
  • Family history of high blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke
  • Overweight or obese
  • Current smoker or heavy drinker
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Pregnancy
  • Previous blood pressure reading above 130/85

What Happens at a Blood Pressure Check?

A blood pressure check is quick, painless, and usually part of a longer GP consultation that includes cholesterol, blood sugar, and cardiovascular risk assessment. Your GP will:

  • Measure your blood pressure in both arms, ideally 2–3 readings
  • Ask about your lifestyle, diet, alcohol, smoking, and exercise
  • Check your weight, waist circumference, and BMI
  • Discuss family history of heart disease, stroke, or kidney disease
  • Order blood tests for cholesterol, blood sugar, and kidney function
  • Calculate your 5-year cardiovascular risk using the Australian CVD risk calculator

If your blood pressure is borderline or mildly elevated, your GP may recommend home blood pressure monitoring over a week to get a clearer picture than a single clinic reading.

Treatment: Lifestyle First, Then Medication

For most people with mild to moderate hypertension, lifestyle changes are the first step:

  • Reduce salt: Aim for under 5g per day (1 teaspoon)
  • Lose weight if overweight: Every 1kg lost can lower BP by about 1 mmHg
  • Exercise: 30 minutes of moderate activity, 5 days a week
  • Limit alcohol: No more than 10 standard drinks per week
  • Quit smoking
  • Manage stress: Mindfulness, meditation, and adequate sleep
  • DASH diet: Plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein

If lifestyle changes alone do not bring blood pressure below 140/90, your GP may prescribe medication. There are many safe, effective blood pressure medications — most are taken once a day and cause few side effects. This is a long-term treatment, but treatment is ongoing, not lifelong “until you are fixed”.

Chronic Disease Management Plans for Hypertension

If you have hypertension plus one or more other chronic conditions (diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease), you may be eligible for a Medicare-subsidised GP Management Plan. This gives you structured care with regular reviews and access to allied health services like dietitians and exercise physiologists.

Find a Family Doctor Clinic Near You

Many Family Doctor clinics offer bulk-billed blood pressure and cardiovascular risk checks. A 20-minute appointment now can save years of your life later.

Find a Clinic & Book a Check

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my blood pressure?

Once every 2 years if you are under 40 with normal readings, annually if you are over 40 or have risk factors, and as directed by your GP if you are being treated for hypertension. Home blood pressure monitoring is helpful if you have elevated readings or white-coat hypertension.

What is “white-coat hypertension”?

Some people have elevated blood pressure readings in a clinic or hospital setting (due to anxiety) but normal readings at home. This is called white-coat hypertension. If your GP suspects it, they may ask you to monitor your blood pressure at home or arrange 24-hour ambulatory monitoring.

Is blood pressure medication for life?

Usually yes, but not always. If you make significant lifestyle improvements (weight loss, exercise, salt reduction), your GP may be able to reduce or stop your medication over time. Do not stop medication without discussing it with your GP first — sudden discontinuation can be dangerous.

Is the cuff around my arm meant to hurt?

The cuff feels tight for 20–30 seconds during inflation and can be uncomfortable but should not be painful. If the cuff is too small for your arm, readings will be falsely high — ask for a larger cuff if you have a large upper arm.