High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Causes, Symptoms and How to Control It
TeleRx
· 3 min read
Hypertension often has no symptoms but can cause stroke and heart attack. Learn normal BP ranges, how to measure at home and simple ways to bring it down.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is called the "silent killer" because most people feel completely normal while it slowly damages the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. In Bangladesh, about one in four adults has high blood pressure, and many are not aware of it.
What is a normal blood pressure?
| Category | Top number (systolic) | Bottom number (diastolic) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | below 120 | below 80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | below 80 |
| High – stage 1 | 130–139 | 80–89 |
| High – stage 2 | 140 or higher | 90 or higher |
| Severe – needs urgent care | above 180 | above 120 |
A single high reading does not mean you have hypertension. Your doctor will look at several readings taken on different days.
Common causes and risk factors
- Too much salt – including extra salt at the table, pickles, chanachur and processed food
- Overweight, especially fat around the waist
- Lack of physical activity
- Smoking, jarda, gul and other tobacco
- Diabetes and kidney disease
- Family history and increasing age
- Long-term stress and poor sleep
Symptoms
Usually there are none. Some people have headache, dizziness, blurred vision or nosebleeds when the pressure is very high. Seek emergency care if high blood pressure comes with chest pain, severe headache, weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or breathlessness.
How to measure blood pressure correctly at home
- Avoid tea, coffee, smoking and exercise for 30 minutes before.
- Sit quietly for 5 minutes with your back supported and feet flat on the floor.
- Rest your arm on a table at heart level and use the right cuff size.
- Take two readings one minute apart and write down both.
An automatic digital BP machine is easy to use for the whole family.
Lifestyle changes that lower blood pressure
- Cut salt to less than 5 grams (about one teaspoon) a day, including salt in cooking.
- Eat more vegetables, fruits, dal and low-fat milk.
- Walk briskly for 30 minutes on most days.
- Lose extra weight – even 4–5 kg makes a difference.
- Stop smoking and all forms of tobacco.
- Sleep 7–8 hours and find healthy ways to manage stress.
Medicine: take it every day
If your doctor prescribes blood pressure medicine, take it every day at the same time, even when you feel well. Do not stop suddenly. If you notice side effects such as ankle swelling, cough or dizziness, talk to your doctor – there are many alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Can I stop my medicine once my BP is normal?
Not without your doctor's advice. Normal readings usually show that the medicine is working.
How often should I check my blood pressure?
Adults over 18 should check at least once a year. People with hypertension should check at home as advised by their doctor, often a few times a week.
Worried about your readings? Consult a TeleRx doctor online and get a clear treatment plan.
This article is for general health information and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999.
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