High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Other names: Hypertension, HTN, high BP

Basic overview

Hypertension is one of the most common conditions affecting the heart. It refers to a constant elevation of the pressure inside the arteries, this places stress on the heart and the arteries and increases the risk of a heart attack and stroke. Generally speaking the serious effects of high blood pressure occur after many years of ‘poor blood pressure control’

Risk factors for high blood pressure include: being overweight, diabetes, smoking, lack of physical exercise and a poor diet.

Symptoms

Many people do not complain of specific symptoms. Some people experience headaches, visual changes, ‘whooshing’ in the ears or in extreme cases, chest pain or heart failure (severe breathlessness).

Treatment

  • Lifestyle modifications:
    • Healthy eating (Mediterranean diet), especially in order to lose weight if your BMI is >25
    • Salt restriction (less than 4g daily)
    • Limitation of alcohol intake (no more than two standard drinks a day for men and one for women, with at least 2 alcohol-free days a week)
    • At least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise daily
    • Avoidance of smoking
  • Medications:
    • There are many classes of medications, but the most commonly prescribed first line medications include: ACE-inhibitors (i.e. perindopril, enalapril), angiotensin receptor blockers (i.e. candesartan, valsartan, irbesartan), calcium channel blockers (i.e. amlodipine, lercanidipine, diltiazem) and diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone, indapamide)
    • The are many other medications that may be used if first line therapies are not effective, but this should be discussed with your doctor
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Our Locations

Free Parking At All Locations

Cardiology Tasmania has 6 specialist centres located in Derwent Park, Huonville, Oatland, Swansea, Rokeby, and Sorell. As well as our fixed locations, our cardiology specialists and consultants travel to regional and remote areas to ensure all patients have access to cardiology services regardless of where they live.

Call Us:
0439 195 660

Derwent Park

Northcare Health Centre, 254 Main Road, Derwent Park, TAS

Services Provided

  • Consultations
  • Transthoracic echocardiograms
  • Stress echocardiograms
  • Holter monitors
Huonville
Huon Valley Health Centre, 85 Main Road, Huonville, TAS

Services Provided

  • Consultations
  • Transthoracic echocardiograms
Oatlands
Midlands Multipurpose Health, 13 Church Street, Oatlands, TAS

Services Provided

  • Consultations
  • Transthoracic echocardiograms
61350540
Swansea

Swansea General Practice, 37 Wellington Street, Swansea, TAS

Services Provided

  • Consultations
  • Transthoracic echocardiograms
62578205
Rokeby

Healthology Rokeby, 46 S Arm Rd, Rokeby, TAS

Services Provided

  • Consultations
  • Transthoracic echocardiograms
Sorell

Sorell Doctors Surgery, 31 Gordon Street, TAS

Services Provided

  • Transthoracic echocardiograms

Your Appointment

Important information you should know

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