Key facts
- Hypertension often causes no noticeable symptoms.
- A blood pressure check is the main way to identify raised blood pressure.
- One reading may not provide the full picture, so repeat or follow-up measurements may be needed.
- High blood pressure is closely related to kidney and cardiovascular health.
- Blood pressure results should be considered together with other health risks rather than interpreted in isolation.
Signs and symptoms
Hypertension often causes no symptoms, even when blood pressure is persistently raised.
Symptoms such as headache or dizziness can occur for many different reasons and should not be used to judge whether blood pressure is high. A blood pressure measurement is needed to know your current reading.
Risk factors
A family history of high blood pressure
Increasing age
Excess body weight and low physical activity
Diet and lifestyle patterns that can contribute to raised blood pressure
Conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease or abnormal cholesterol
Common causes
Hypertension commonly develops through a combination of inherited tendency, age, lifestyle and metabolic health factors rather than one single cause. Kidney disease and some other health conditions can also contribute to raised blood pressure.
How it is checked
Hypertension is assessed by measuring blood pressure and considering whether raised readings persist over time. A doctor may also review your medical history and other cardiovascular or kidney risk factors. Depending on the situation, kidney, urine, cholesterol or blood-glucose checks may be considered alongside blood pressure.
Assessment and investigations
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure measurement is the main check used to identify and monitor hypertension. Readings may need to be repeated or reviewed over time rather than interpreted from one measurement alone.
Kidney Function Test
Kidney-function tests may be useful because high blood pressure and kidney health are closely related, and each can affect the other over time.
Urine Microalbumin
Urine microalbumin testing may help identify small amounts of albumin in the urine when kidney effects related to high blood pressure or diabetes are being considered.
Lipid Profile
A lipid profile measures cholesterol and triglycerides and may help assess cardiovascular risk alongside high blood pressure.
When to see a doctor
Consider speaking with a doctor if you repeatedly receive raised blood pressure readings, have previously been told that you have hypertension, or have other cardiovascular or kidney risk factors and want help understanding your blood pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Can you have hypertension without symptoms?
Yes. Hypertension often causes no noticeable symptoms, so measuring your blood pressure is the only reliable way to know whether your reading is raised.
How is high blood pressure checked?
Blood pressure is measured using a blood pressure device, and readings may need to be repeated or reviewed over time. A doctor may also consider your medical history and other cardiovascular or kidney risk factors.
Does one high blood pressure reading mean I have hypertension?
Not necessarily. Blood pressure can vary, so one raised reading needs context and may require repeat or follow-up measurements before conclusions are made.
Why are kidney tests relevant to hypertension?
High blood pressure and kidney health are closely connected. Kidney tests and urine checks may provide useful information when assessing the wider health effects or risks associated with hypertension.