Quick version
High blood pressure is the single greatest risk factor for heart attack and stroke – yet one in three adult Swedes does not know what their blood pressure is. Hypertension is often called the silent disease because in most cases it does not cause any clear symptoms. The strain on the heart and blood vessels can last for many years without being noticed, while the risk of serious complications gradually increases. At the Test Clinic, we regularly see how people without symptoms discover elevated values during a simple check.
It is only when blood pressure is significantly elevated that symptoms such as headache, dizziness, blurred vision or pronounced fatigue can occur. But by then the impact on the vascular system has often already existed for a long time. That is why high blood pressure is so insidious – and why regular measurement is crucial.
The greatest risk factor for premature death
High blood pressure is the leading cause of years of life lost both in Sweden and globally. Long-term elevated blood pressure damages the walls of blood vessels, accelerates atherosclerosis and increases the strain on the heart. This increases the risk of:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Heart failure
- Atrial fibrillation
- Kidney damage
- Peripheral vascular disease
Almost three million Swedes are estimated to have elevated blood pressure, and about half are unaware of it. Detecting and treating hypertension in time is one of the most effective preventive measures in modern medicine.
What is considered high blood pressure?
Blood pressure is given in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and consists of a systolic (upper) and a diastolic (lower) value. You have high blood pressure if:
- ≥ 140/90 mmHg when measured in the clinic
- ≥ 135/85 mmHg when measured at home
More and more guidelines emphasize the importance of treating blood pressure down to 130/80 mmHg in people with increased cardiovascular risk. Values in the range of 120–139/70–89 should also be followed regularly, especially if other risk factors are present.
Risk factors that increase the overall burden
Blood pressure is part of a larger risk profile. The combination of several moderately deviating values can mean a significantly increased risk over time. Examples of factors that interact are:
- Overweight and abdominal obesity.
- Diabetes or elevated blood sugar.
- Elevated blood lipids LDL cholesterol, triglycerides.
- Hereditary cardiovascular disease.
- Smoking.
- Long-term stress and physical inactivity.
Therefore, it is often valuable not only to measure blood pressure in isolation, but to assess the entire cardiovascular risk picture.
Why are so many cases missed?
Despite clear guidelines for follow-up, there is significant underdiagnosis. This is due, among other things, to the following:
- High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms.
- Many adults never measure their blood pressure.
- Screening in primary care is not always done regularly.
- Younger adults are less often checked.
At the same time, there is an increasing incidence of elevated values in younger adults, partly linked to overweight, sedentary lifestyle and stress-related factors.
Therefore, regular check-ups are crucial
Since hypertension is often asymptomatic, measurement is the only way to identify it. At the Testmottagningen you can book a targeted Blood pressure measurement to check your values.
For a more comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular health, we also offer Health check heart and blood vessels, where we analyze several important risk markers such as blood fats, blood sugar, kidney function and inflammation markers. This provides a broader picture of your overall cardiovascular risk.
Many people who undergo a health check discover abnormalities despite feeling completely healthy. Early detection creates the opportunity for lifestyle changes and, if necessary, further medical assessment before serious complications arise.
How to easily measure your blood pressure at home
Measuring your blood pressure at home is a simple and reliable way to monitor your cardiovascular health over time. In order for the values to be as accurate as possible, it is important that the measurement is carried out under the right conditions. Small details such as body position, rest and the right equipment can affect the result. Therefore, follow the steps below to get the most accurate measurement possible.
- Use an upper arm cuff for the best reliability.
- Avoid coffee, nicotine, physical exertion and large meals 30 minutes before the measurement.
- Sit down and rest for at least 5 minutes beforehand.
- Place the cuff at heart level.
- Avoid talking during the measurement.
- It is advisable to measure twice and calculate the average value.
If blood pressure repeatedly exceeds 140/90 mmHg, follow-up medical assessment is recommended.
Blood pressure in numbers
| Classification | Reception value | Home value |
|---|---|---|
| Optimal | <120/80 | <120/80 |
| Normal | 120–129/80–84 | 120–129/80–84 |
| High normally | 130–139/85–89 | 130–134/85–89 |
| Hypertension | ≥140/90 | ≥135/85 |