High Blood Pressure: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats High Blood Pressure?
A primary care doctor, a doctor who handles everyday health care, often manages high blood pressure. You may also see a cardiologist, a heart doctor. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries, the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart. Each time your heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries.
A reading has two numbers. The top number, called systolic pressure, is the pressure when your heart beats. The bottom number, called diastolic pressure, is the pressure when your heart rests between beats. For example, 120/80 means a systolic number of 120 and a diastolic number of 80.
High blood pressure is also called hypertension. When your blood pressure stays high over time, your heart has to pump harder and work overtime.
There are two main types. Primary, or essential, high blood pressure is the most common type. For most people, it develops over time as you get older. Secondary high blood pressure is caused by another medical condition or by certain medicines.
Symptoms
High blood pressure usually does not cause symptoms until it has also caused serious problems. That is why regular blood pressure checks matter. Over time, high blood pressure that is not controlled can lead to serious problems, such as:
- Stroke.
- Heart attack.
- Heart failure.
- Chronic kidney disease.
- Eye damage.
- Atherosclerosis, which is plaque buildup in your arteries.
Causes and who gets it
For most people, high blood pressure builds slowly as they get older. Blood pressure tends to rise with age. Blood vessels naturally thicken and stiffen over time. High blood pressure often runs in families.
Habits that can raise your risk include:
- Often eating foods that are high in salt and low in potassium.
- Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine.
- Not getting enough physical activity.
- Not getting enough good-quality sleep.
- Living with a lot of stress.
- Using stimulants such as cocaine or methamphetamine.
Some medicines can raise blood pressure. These include antidepressants, decongestants (medicines for a stuffy nose), hormonal birth control pills, and anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
Other health problems can also cause it, including chronic kidney disease, thyroid problems, overweight and obesity, and some tumors.
High blood pressure is more common in Black adults than in White, Hispanic, or Asian adults.
How doctors diagnose it
Because high blood pressure usually has no symptoms, the only way to find out is to get regular blood pressure checks from your health care provider. Your provider uses a gauge, a stethoscope or electronic sensor, and a blood pressure cuff. They take two or more readings at separate appointments before making a diagnosis.
Treatment
You will work with your provider to make a treatment plan. Treatment includes heart-healthy lifestyle changes and medicines. Some people only need lifestyle changes, such as heart-healthy eating and exercise. These changes can be very effective.
If these changes do not control or lower your blood pressure, you may need medicine. There are different types of blood pressure medicines, and some people need to take more than one type.
If another health condition or a medicine is causing your high blood pressure, treating that condition or stopping that medicine may lower it. Work with your provider on any change to your medicines.
When to see a doctor
Get your blood pressure checked regularly, because high blood pressure usually has no symptoms. A reading of 180/120 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury, the unit used to measure blood pressure) or higher is too high and needs medical attention.
If your reading is 180/120 or higher and you have none of the signs below, wait 5 minutes and check again. If it is still high, call your health care provider the same day.
Call 911 right away if you have any of these signs, at any reading and even before you check your pressure again:
- Chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more.
- Trouble breathing.
- Sudden weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking.
- A sudden change in vision.
- Sudden, severe pain in your belly or back.
- A sudden, severe headache, especially with a very high reading.
Do not wait to see if your pressure comes down on its own.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can review your blood pressure checks and work with you on a treatment plan. They can also refer you to a specialist when needed.
Common questions
Does high blood pressure cause symptoms?
Usually not. High blood pressure usually does not cause symptoms until it has also caused serious problems. That is why regular checks matter.
Can high blood pressure be prevented?
A heart-healthy lifestyle can help prevent it. Choose foods lower in salt and rich in potassium, limit alcohol, stay active, aim for a healthy weight, quit smoking, manage stress, and get enough good-quality sleep.
Can children get high blood pressure?
Yes. The risk is rising for children and teens, possibly because more of them have overweight or obesity. Providers compare a child's reading with what is normal for kids of the same age, height, and sex.
Is high blood pressure dangerous?
It can be. When blood pressure stays high over time, the heart has to work overtime, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney failure.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - High Blood Pressure | Hypertension
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - High Blood Pressure Symptoms
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - High Blood Pressure Causes and Risk Factors
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
