1)High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is one of the most common health problems
seen by general doctors. Many people have it without even knowing. That’s why it is often
called the “silent problem.”
What Is Blood Pressure?
Your heart is like a pump. It pushes blood through tubes in your body called blood vessels.
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of those vessels.
When a doctor checks your blood pressure, you see two numbers. For example: 120/80.
• The top number (systolic) shows the pressure when the heart squeezes.
• The bottom number (diastolic) shows the pressure when the heart
relaxes.
A normal blood pressure is usually around 120/80. If your readings are consistently above
140/90, you may have high blood pressure.
Why Is High Blood Pressure Dangerous?
The scary part is that most people feel completely fine. There are usually no clear symptoms.
But inside the body, high pressure slowly damages blood vessels and organs. Over time, it
can lead to:
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Kidney failure
• Vision problems
• Heart failure
Think of it like water flowing through a pipe with too much pressure. Eventually, the pipe
gets damaged.
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
In most people, there is no single clear cause. It develops slowly over years. However, certain
things increase your risk:
• Eating too much salty food
• Being overweight
• Being overweight
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Stress
• Family history
• Getting older
Sometimes medical conditions like kidney disease or hormonal problems can also cause it.
Are There Any Symptoms?
Usually, no. That’s why regular checkups are very important.
In very severe cases, a person might experience:
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Nosebleeds
• Chest pain
But these happen late. You should not wait for symptoms.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is simple. A blood pressure machine is used to measure your pressure. Your doctor
may check it several times on different days to confirm.
Sometimes you may be asked to monitor your blood pressure at home.
How Is It Treated?
The good news is that high blood pressure can be controlled very well.
1. Lifestyle Changes (First step)
Many people can lower their blood pressure by making healthy changes:
– Reduce salt in your diet (processed foods, chips, pickles)
– Eat more fruits and vegetables
– Exercise at least 30 minutes a day (walking is excellent)
– Lose excess weight
– Stop smoking
– Limit alcohol
– Manage stress (deep breathing, meditation, good sleep)
Even small changes can make a big difference
2. Medication
If lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor may prescribe medicines.
There are different types of blood pressure medicines. They work in different ways:
• Some relax blood vessels
• Some remove extra salt and water
• Some slow the heart rate
It may take time to find the right medicine and dose for you.
Very important:
Do not stop taking your medicine just because you feel fine. High blood pressure usually has
no symptoms, but stopping medication suddenly can be dangerous
Can High Blood Pressure Be Cured?
In most cases, it cannot be completely cured, but it can be controlled very well.
Many people live long, healthy lives by:
• Taking their medication regularly
• Following healthy habits
• Checking blood pressure routinely
How Can You Prevent It?
Even if you don’t have high blood pressure now, you can reduce your risk by:
• Staying active
• Eating balanced meals
• Avoiding too much salt
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Not smoking
• Managing stress
Final Thoughts
Many people live long, healthy lives by:
At Airside Medical, our GP team in Swords, North Dublin is here to provide care, advice, and treatment—even out of hours.
Find us at Airside Medical Centre, 1st Floor Medical Suite, Link Road, Holywell, Swords, Dublin. 
Call us or book online