Hypertension: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Hypertension?
A primary care doctor, such as an internal medicine doctor, usually treats hypertension, which is the medical term for high blood pressure. A cardiologist, a doctor who treats heart conditions, may help if you also have heart problems. 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 hypertension?
Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood to your body.
A blood pressure reading has two numbers. The top number is systolic pressure and the bottom number is diastolic pressure. Normal blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mm Hg most of the time. High blood pressure is when one or both readings are 130/80 mm Hg or higher most of the time.
Most of the time, no cause is found, and this is called essential hypertension. High blood pressure caused by another medical condition or a medicine is called secondary hypertension.
Symptoms
Most of the time, high blood pressure has no symptoms. Most people find out when they visit their provider or have it checked elsewhere.
A dangerous form of very high blood pressure can cause symptoms such as:
- Severe headache.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Confusion.
- Vision changes.
Confusion, a sudden change in vision, and a sudden, severe headache are 911 signs. See When to see a doctor.
Causes and who gets it
Many things can affect blood pressure, including the amount of water and salt in your body, the condition of your kidneys, nervous system, or blood vessels, and your hormone levels. You have a higher risk if you:
- Are African American.
- Are obese.
- Drink alcohol (more than 1 drink per day for women and more than 2 drinks per day for men).
- Have a family history of high blood pressure.
- Have diabetes.
- Smoke or use tobacco.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider will measure your blood pressure several times before diagnosing high blood pressure.
Your provider will do a physical exam to look for signs of heart disease, damage to your eyes, and other changes in your body.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to lower your blood pressure so you have a lower risk of health problems caused by high blood pressure. Your provider will work with you on a treatment plan that may include heart-healthy lifestyle changes alone or with medicines.
Lifestyle changes can include:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet.
- Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise per week.
- Quitting smoking or tobacco.
- Limiting alcohol.
- Staying at a healthy body weight.
If your blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg or higher, your provider will most likely recommend medicines and lifestyle changes together. Common blood pressure medicines include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics, which remove extra water and sodium (salt) from your body. Tell your provider promptly if you have side effects so they can switch you to a different medicine.
When to see a doctor
Have regular follow-up visits with your provider if you have high blood pressure. Contact your provider right away if home monitoring shows that your blood pressure is still high.
A reading of 180/120 mm Hg or higher is too high and needs medical attention, especially if you have symptoms.
Call 911 right away if you have chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, trouble breathing, confusion, fainting, a sudden change in vision, or trouble speaking, whatever your blood pressure reading is. Also call 911 for a sudden, severe headache, sudden, severe pain in your abdomen or back, or numbness or weakness. If you have any of these signs, do not wait to see if your pressure comes down on its own.
If your reading is 180/120 mm Hg or higher and you have none of these signs, wait 5 minutes and check again. If it is still high, call your provider the same day. Your provider may recommend starting a medicine or changing your dose.
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. Such a doctor can check your blood pressure, review your home readings, and manage your medicines over time.
Common questions
Does high blood pressure cause symptoms?
No, most of the time there are no symptoms. Most people find out when a provider checks their blood pressure.
Can high blood pressure be controlled?
Yes, most of the time it can be controlled with medicine and lifestyle changes. Some people need only lifestyle changes, and others also need medicine.
How often should I have my blood pressure checked?
Adults age 40 or older should have it checked once per year. For adults age 18 to 39, checking less often may be fine, but people with past high readings or risk factors may need checks more often. Ask your provider what is best for you.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - High blood pressure in adults - hypertension
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - High Blood Pressure Symptoms
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - High Blood Pressure Treatment
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.
