Steve.r : “ So what are the main signs of high or low pressure? can you tell by just looking at someone? “
• Hypertension usually has no symptoms or signs – which is the reason so many are unaware, and unmotivated to check their blood pressure. “ If it ain’t broke don’t fix it “ doesn’t apply here ! Symptoms – if present – include headache ( no more common than in the general population ), dizziness and problems with vision ( both also non-specific ). Likewise, no signs are diagnostic, although age alone increases the chances – at 65, individuals have a 90% chance of developing hypertension by 80 ( and if they’re obese they have decreased chance, for several reasons including hypertension, of reaching 80 ).
• Hypotension should also have no symptoms, only in that case it’s a reassuring sign suggesting “ naturally low blood pressure “, not requiring treatment. Symptoms – if present – include dizziness ( especially if standing up suddenly ), and there may be other factors such as age, time of day, temperature, some medicines or illnesses.
• Accurate blood pressure measurement is vital ! Repeated measurements – at least twice – are helpful to confirm true blood pressure before attempting to treat by any method(s). “ White-coat “ hypertension – raised blood pressure in the doctor’s clinic - is well known. Some will remember " Carry on Doctor ", where Barbara Windsor, as Nurse Sandra May, raises Sid James's blood pressure ! If hypertension seems likely, “ ambulatory “ ( walking ) or home blood pressure monitoring devices are better correlated with cardiovascular outcome.
