High Blood Pressure
Also known as: Hypertension, Elevated blood pressure, Resistant hypertension, Uncontrolled blood pressure, Hypertensive heart disease
Expert diagnosis and management at Complete Heart Centre. All consultations and diagnostic tests are 100% bulk billed through Medicare. All cardiology referrals accepted.
About High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most common cardiovascular risk factors and a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease in Australia. It often has no symptoms, which is why it is called the "silent killer". When blood pressure is consistently elevated, it places extra strain on the heart and blood vessels, which over time can cause the heart muscle to thicken (left ventricular hypertrophy), weaken the pumping function, and lead to heart failure. Hypertension is also a major risk factor for coronary artery disease and stroke. In Australia, approximately one in three adults has high blood pressure, and many are unaware of it.
Common Symptoms
- Often no noticeable symptoms (silent condition)
- Persistent headaches in severe cases
- Shortness of breath with exertion
- Chest discomfort
- Visual changes in severe hypertension
- Nosebleeds in some cases of severely elevated blood pressure
When to See a Cardiologist
If your blood pressure is consistently elevated despite medication (resistant hypertension), or if your GP suspects it has affected your heart, a referral to a cardiologist is recommended for specialist assessment. Patients with hypertension and additional risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease should also consider a cardiac evaluation.
How We Investigate
Dr Grewal will assess the effect of high blood pressure on your heart using an echocardiogram, which shows whether the heart muscle has thickened (left ventricular hypertrophy) or the pumping function has been affected. She may also recommend a CT coronary angiogram including calcium score to assess your coronary arteries and overall cardiovascular risk profile.
$0
Your cost with Medicare
Related Diagnostic Services
Need Urgent Help?
If you are experiencing sudden or severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness, call 000 immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about high blood pressure.
Other Conditions We Treat
All consultations and diagnostic tests are 100% bulk billed through Medicare.
Chest Pain
Chest pain can have many causes, but when it involves the heart it is usually due to reduced blood f...
Palpitations
Palpitations are the sensation of your heart beating too fast, too hard, or irregularly. You may fee...
Heart Failure
Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body's ne...
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease in Australia and the leading ...
Ischaemic Heart Disease
Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) occurs when the blood supply to the heart muscle is reduced, usually d...
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) is the most common type of heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia) in Au...
Concerned About High Blood Pressure?
With a Medicare card and GP referral, your specialist consultation and all diagnostic tests are fully bulk billed. Book at our Sydenham, Bundoora or Williams Landing clinic.