High blood pressure: which doctor to see
High blood pressure can go unnoticed for years, yet it is the main risk factor for stroke and heart attack. If your monitor consistently shows 140/90 or higher, that is a reason for a planned cardiologist visit — not for panic.
Common causes
- Family history and age-related changes in the vessels
- Too much salt, excess weight, low activity
- Chronic stress and poor sleep
- Kidney and endocrine disorders
- Certain medicines and stimulants
When to seek urgent help
Do not wait for a scheduled visit if you have any of these signs:
- Blood pressure of 180/120 or higher that will not come down — call 103
- High blood pressure with chest pain or shortness of breath
- High blood pressure with speech or vision problems, weakness in an arm or leg — call 103
- Severe headache with nausea while the pressure is high
- A nosebleed during high blood pressure that cannot be stopped
Ambulance: 103 (103 from a mobile) · Unified rescue service: 911
Your specialist
Cardiologist
What to bring to the visit
- A blood pressure diary: morning and evening readings for at least 5–7 days
- A list of medicines you already take
- Previous test results and ECGs, if you have them
- Information about heart and vascular disease in close relatives
Frequently asked questions
My pressure spiked once — is that hypertension?
Not necessarily: pressure rises with stress, coffee and pain. The diagnosis is based on repeated readings at rest — keep a diary and show it to your doctor.
General practitioner or cardiologist?
Both are valid. A general practitioner manages uncomplicated hypertension; a cardiologist is needed for heart problems, young age or pressure that resists treatment.
More in “Chest and heart”
- Chest pain
Cardiologist
- Persistent cough
Pulmonologist
The information on this page is for reference only and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis in person. If your condition worsens, call 103.