High blood pressure (hypertension)
Know your numbers, protect your heart, brain and kidneys

High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms, yet over years it damages the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. It is one of the most common reasons for heart attack, stroke and kidney failure in India. The good news: regular checks, lifestyle changes and the right medicines keep it under control. Physicians and cardiologists at Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Lucknow help you find the right plan.

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About high BP

What is high blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. It is written as two numbers: systolic (when the heart beats) over diastolic (when it rests), for example 120/80 mmHg. When blood pressure stays high, the heart works harder and the arteries become stiff and damaged.

  • Usually no symptoms — the only way to know is to measure it
  • Risk rises with age, excess weight, salt, tobacco, alcohol, stress and family history
  • Diabetes and kidney disease often go together with high BP
  • Most people need lifelong care, not a short course
  • Controlling BP lowers the risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney damage

Measure

Check BP regularly, at the clinic and at home.

Less salt

Cutting salt lowers BP within weeks.

Medicines

Taken daily, even when you feel well.

Protect organs

Regular checks of heart, kidneys and eyes.

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Numbers and symptoms

Blood pressure readings and warning signs

Readings in the clinic, as a general guide for adults (your doctor will set your own target):

Below 120/80

Normal.

120–139 / 80–89

Above normal — lifestyle changes and regular checks.

140/90 or higher

High blood pressure, usually confirmed on repeat readings.

180/120 or higher

Very high — needs prompt medical attention.

Severe headache

With very high BP can signal an emergency.

Blurred vision

Or sudden vision changes.

Chest pain or breathlessness

Seek urgent care.

Weakness or slurred speech

Could be a stroke — come to emergency at once.

Very high BP with chest pain, breathlessness, severe headache, confusion, weakness or vision loss is an emergency. Call 0522-666-4444 or come to the 24×7 emergency department. Call 0522-666-4444.

Diagnosis

How high BP is diagnosed and checked

One high reading is not enough; BP is confirmed over time.

Repeated clinic readings

Taken after resting, on different days.

Home BP readings

A valuable record for your doctor.

Blood and urine tests

Kidney function, sugar, cholesterol, salts and urine protein.

ECG and echo

Check for thickening or strain of the heart.

Eye check

Looks for BP-related changes in the retina.

Treatment

Treatment

Most people need both lifestyle changes and medicines.

Lifestyle changes

These lower BP and make medicines work better.

Less than one teaspoon of salt a day in total; limit pickles, papad, namkeen and packaged food30 minutes of brisk walking on most daysLose weight if overweight; keep the waist in check

Also

  • Stop tobacco in all forms
  • Limit alcohol
  • Sleep well and manage stress

Food

  • More fruit, vegetables, pulses and whole grains
  • Less fried and processed food
  • Use less ghee and oil
Everyday care

Living with high blood pressure

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Salt sense

Taste food before adding salt; use lemon, herbs and spices for flavour.

Regular check-ups

Every few months, and kidney and eye checks as advised.

Never run out

Refill medicines before they finish, especially before travel.

Contact us urgently if

  • Chest pain or breathlessness
  • Severe headache with confusion or vomiting
  • Weakness of one side, facial droop or slurred speech
  • Sudden vision loss
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about blood pressure

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“I feel fine, so my BP must be normal.”

Tap to flip
Fact

High BP usually causes no symptoms. Only measuring it tells you.

Myth

“Once BP is normal I can stop medicines.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Normal readings usually mean the medicine is working. Stopping can make BP rise again.

Myth

“Rock salt or pink salt is safe.”

Tap to flip
Fact

All salts contain sodium. Cut down on all types.

Your care team

Cardiologists and physicians

Cardiac sciences Internal medicine Stroke
Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Your home BP record
  • All medicines you take
  • Previous reports: ECG, kidney tests, echo
  • Insurance card

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need and the length of any hospital stay. Ask our team for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is a normal blood pressure?

Below 120/80 mmHg is considered normal for most adults. Your doctor may set a different target based on your age and health.

Can high BP be cured?

For most people it is a long-term condition that can be well controlled. Some people with lifestyle changes need fewer medicines.

Is home BP monitoring accurate?

Yes, with a validated upper-arm monitor and the correct technique.

Do BP medicines damage the kidneys?

Uncontrolled high BP is a major cause of kidney damage. Medicines protect the kidneys; your doctor checks kidney tests regularly.

How often should I check my BP?

Your doctor will advise. Adults over 30 should have BP checked at least once a year even if well.

Glossary

Words you may hear

SystolicThe top number, pressure when the heart beats.
DiastolicThe bottom number, pressure when the heart rests.
mmHgMillimetres of mercury, the unit for BP.
White-coat hypertensionBP that is high only in the clinic.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Cardiac sciences Heart attack Stroke Heart failure BP guide (blog) Health library

Get your blood pressure checked

See a physician or cardiologist at Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga. Call 0522-666-4444.

0522-666-4444 Request a call back

Your details are used only to contact you about your appointment.

Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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