Blood pressure helps maintain the circulation to vital organs. High blood pressure is often caused by an increase in the resistance to blood flow in the circulatory system.

Blood pressure is expressed as systolic and diastolic measurements in millimetres of mercury. Ideally systolic readings should be below 140 mm/Hg (mercury) and diastolic readings below 90mm/Hg. Blood pressure levels tend to rise with age and higher blood pressure levels may be accepted as normal in older age groups.

A diagnosis of hypertension is usually made when routine blood pressure recordings are high on at least three occasions. Modern technology allows for a more accurate blood pressure profile to be obtained. It is now possible to use a continuous ambulatory blood pressure monitor attached to a patient's arm which measures blood pressure over a 24 hour period. This monitoring is useful in making an accurate diagnosis and in assessing whether or riot control of blood pressure is satisfactory.

Untreated, hypertension causes premature coronary heart disease, strokes and kidney failure.

Hypertension is a silent disease. People with high blood pressure rarely have symptoms, hence the need for screening.

Many individuals have normal blood pressure which only becomes elevated in the stressful situation associated with a visit to the doctor. The use of continuous ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is effective in distinguishing between the "true" and the "white coat" hypertensive.

Hypertension usually comes under control promptly with simple medication.