Hypertension artérielle

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Persistently elevated blood pressure in the arteries, often called the 'silent' condition because it usually causes no symptoms while gradually damaging the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels. Regular blood pressure checks, a low-sodium diet, physical activity, and medication when needed are the cornerstones of management.

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Réponse rapide

Hypertension (high blood pressure) means the force of blood against the artery walls is persistently higher than it should be. It is very common and often called a “silent” condition.

Most people have no symptoms, even when blood pressure is dangerously high, which is why regular measurement matters. Headaches, dizziness or nosebleeds are not reliable signs.

Diagnosis is by repeated blood pressure readings, sometimes with home or 24-hour monitoring. Treatment combines lifestyle changes with medicines when needed, decided by your doctor. Untreated, it raises the risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney disease.

Symptômes

Usually no symptoms
This is the most important fact: you can feel well and still have high blood pressure.
Headache
Can occur with very high readings, but is not a reliable sign.
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Shortness of breath
Chest pain or palpitations
These need urgent assessment.
Nosebleeds
Occasionally with very high readings, but common for other reasons.

Guides des symptômes

Causes et facteurs de risque

Causes

Primary (essential) hypertension — In most adults no single cause is found; it develops gradually with age, genes and lifestyle.
Secondary hypertension — Caused by another condition, such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, sleep apnoea or certain medicines.

Facteurs de risque

Older age
Family history of high blood pressure
Overweight or obesity
High salt intake
Physical inactivity
Excess alcohol and smoking
Diabetes, kidney disease or sleep apnoea

Comment le diagnostic est-il posé ?

Blood pressure is measured with a cuff. Because readings vary, a diagnosis is usually based on more than one measurement.

Clinic blood pressure measurement
Taken seated and rested, on more than one occasion.
Home or 24-hour ambulatory monitoring
Used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out “white-coat” effect.
Tests for causes and complications
Blood and urine tests, an ECG and sometimes other tests check the kidneys, heart, blood sugar and cholesterol.

Examens associés

Traitement

Treatment lowers blood pressure to a target set by your doctor and reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney damage. The approach depends on your readings and overall risk.

Lifestyle changes
Less salt, a balanced diet, regular physical activity, a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and not smoking.
Medicines
Many people need one or more blood-pressure medicines. The choice depends on age, other conditions and how you respond, and is made by your doctor.
Regular monitoring
Follow-up visits and, often, home readings to check that treatment is working.
Treating a secondary cause
When another condition is causing the high pressure, treating it can improve control.

Blood-pressure medicines are usually long-term. Do not stop or change them without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well.

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Repeated home readings above the level your doctor gave you
Headaches, dizziness or vision changes that are new or persistent
Side effects from blood-pressure medicines
You have never had your blood pressure checked and are over 40 or at risk
You are pregnant and have high readings, swelling or headaches

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Chest pain or pressure
Severe shortness of breath
Sudden severe headache, confusion, or vision loss
Weakness or numbness on one side, facial droop or difficulty speaking

Prévention

Reduce salt
Limit processed and salty foods and avoid adding extra salt.
Eat a balanced diet
Plenty of vegetables, fruit and whole grains.
Stay physically active
Regular moderate activity helps lower blood pressure.
Maintain a healthy weight
Limit alcohol and avoid smoking
Have your blood pressure checked regularly
Especially after age 40 or if there is a family history.

Questions fréquentes

What is high blood pressure?

It is a condition in which blood pressure stays higher than normal over time. It strains the heart and blood vessels and raises the risk of serious disease.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

Usually none. Some people get headaches or dizziness at very high levels, but the only reliable way to know is to measure it.

What is considered a high blood pressure reading?

Your doctor interprets readings in context. Persistently elevated readings, generally 140/90 mmHg or more in the clinic, are commonly used for diagnosis, but targets vary by person.

Can high blood pressure be cured?

Most people manage it long term with lifestyle changes and medicines. Some secondary causes can be treated, and in some people lifestyle changes alone bring blood pressure to a healthy level.

Why is high blood pressure dangerous?

Over years it can damage the arteries, heart, brain, kidneys and eyes, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease.

How often should I check my blood pressure?

Adults should have it checked regularly — more often if it is high, borderline or you have risk factors. Your doctor can advise on how often to check at home.

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