High Blood Pressure Treatment
Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure is one of the most common and serious chronic conditions in Singapore.
According to the National Heart Centre Singapore, about one in four adults has hypertension. While it often develops gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms, it is important to pay attention early. Managing your blood pressure helps protect your heart, brain and overall well-being in the long run.
If you are seeking high BP treatment or want to understand more about the management of hypertension, know that it is a journey best taken with a team of specialists.
At Prologue The Lifestyle Medical Clinic, we take a personalised approach. Our doctors work with you to identify contributing factors, recommend suitable treatment or lifestyle adjustments, and monitor your progress.
What is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) & Why It Matters
Blood pressure (BP) measures the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It is recorded as two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (upper number): pressure when your heart beats.
- Diastolic pressure (lower number): pressure when your heart rests between beats.
Hypertension happens when these numbers remain consistently higher than normal. Over time, this constant pressure damages your arteries and vital organs, increasing the risk of:
- Heart disease and heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney damage
- Vision problems
- Cognitive decline
Are your systolic and diastolic pressure levels higher than usual? Don’t worry – we can help you find out what they mean.
Hypertension Grades & Blood Pressure Categories
Blood pressure is classified into categories to guide diagnosis and treatment intensity. The table below shows the different blood pressure classifications for adults aged 18 and above.
Category | Systolic BP (mmHg) | Diastolic BP (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|
Normal BP | < 130 | < 80 |
High – Normal BP | 130 – 139 | 80 – 89 |
These hypertension grades matter because they help your healthcare team determine the best approach to managing your condition. The classification guides decisions such as:
- How soon to begin medication
- Which type or combination of medicines to use
- How frequently you should have monitoring and tests
- Whether you require more screening for possible organ damage affecting your heart, kidneys or eyes.
Need help interpreting your BP levels? We’ll do the work.
What can happen if high blood pressure is untreated?
Over time, persistent high pressure increases the chance of damage to key organs, including:
- Heart: higher risk of heart attack, heart failure and abnormal heart rhythm.
- Brain: higher risk of stroke and transient ischaemic attacks.
- Kidneys: progressive kidney damage that can reduce kidney function.
- Eyes: damage to the small blood vessels in the retina, which can affect vision.
The reassuring part is, hypertension management and consistent self-care can markedly reduce these risks. Even moderate drops in blood pressure lower the chance of heart attack and stroke, and appropriate treatment protects the kidneys and vision.
How to Manage High Blood Pressure – Treatment & Management Strategies
High blood pressure may be common, but it’s also one of the most preventable and controllable health conditions when managed well. With the right care, it doesn’t have to hold you back from an active, healthy life.
Here is a look at the key strategies for hypertension management:
Lifestyle & Behavioural Changes
Lifestyle changes can be your first line of defence. Small, consistent improvements can lead to meaningful drops in your readings and …
Regular Monitoring & Check-ups
You can only manage what you measure. This is why regular monitoring is important in understanding how your lifestyle and …
Medical Treatment & Specialist Care
When lifestyle changes alone are not enough to bring your blood pressure down to your target goal, your doctor may …
High Blood Pressure Treatment Services at Prologue Clinic
At Prologue The Lifestyle Medical Clinic, we help individuals manage high blood pressure through personalised care and integrated cardiovascular programmes that aim to reduce long-term health risks.
Our hypertension treatment services include:
Comprehensive Blood Pressure Assessment & Cardiovascular Risk Evaluation
Detailed blood pressure measurement, medical history review and evaluation of related risk factors such as cholesterol, diabetes and lifestyle habits.
Tailored Treatment Plan (Lifestyle + Medication)
A personalised plan combining healthy eating, physical activity, and, if needed, medication to help manage blood pressure.
Dietitian Consultation
Dietary advice focused on reducing sodium intake, choosing heart-friendly foods and creating balanced meal plans that suit your preferences.
Exercise Prescription or Referral to Physiotherapist / Cardiac Rehabilitation
Safe, customised exercise guidance to strengthen your heart and promote long-term blood pressure control.
Medication Management & Review of Treatment Side Effects
Regular reviews of prescribed medicines to check their effectiveness, address side effects and make adjustments as your condition improves.
Monitoring Schedule & Ongoing Support
Structured follow-up visits, home blood pressure monitoring and optional digital tools to help you track your readings and stay engaged in your care.
With this comprehensive approach, you receive continuous guidance, education and encouragement. This, in turn, makes it easier for you to stay in control of your health and prevent hypertension-related complications.
FAQ
What is considered a target blood pressure in Singapore?
For most adults, the recommended target is below 140/90 mmHg. However, if you have certain conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease or heart disease, your doctor may aim for a lower target, usually around 130/80 mmHg or below.
Your ideal range should always be personalised based on your overall health and risk factors.
Do I need medication immediately if my BP is Grade 1 (140‑159/90‑99)?
Not necessarily. For Grade 1 hypertension, doctors often recommend lifestyle changes first, such as reducing salt intake, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and managing stress.
If your blood pressure remains high after a few months or if you have other medical risks, medication may be started to bring your readings under control.
How often should I check my BP at home?
If you have high blood pressure or are monitoring it, check it at least twice a week, preferably at the same time each day.
For newly diagnosed or unstable blood pressure, your doctor may advise daily checks for a period. Keep a record of your readings to help track trends and guide treatment decisions.
Can I manage high blood pressure without medication?
It is possible if your hypertension is mild (e.g., High-Normal/Borderline or mild Grade 1), and you commit fully to intensive lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight loss, salt restriction).
However, many people will eventually require medication, which should be viewed as a vital tool to protect your organs, not a failure. Never stop prescribed medication without consulting your doctor.
What are hypertension grades and why do they matter?
The hypertension grades (Normal, High-Normal, Grade 1, Grade 2) classify the severity of your high blood pressure based on your systolic and diastolic readings. They matter because they determine your immediate and long-term treatment plan (lifestyle only vs. medication) and the frequency of monitoring to prevent organ damage.