Blood pressure is one of the most important numbers for your heart health. But whether yours runs too high or too low, both can affect your energy levels, safety, and long-term well-being.
At Little Haven Family Clinic, we help individuals monitor, understand, and manage their blood pressure — so they can stay healthy and prevent future complications.
What is High Blood Pressure (Hypotension)?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, happens when the force of blood against your artery walls stays consistently elevated. Often called the “silent killer”, it rarely causes symptoms until complications arise — such as heart disease, kidney damage, or stroke.
Blood pressure ranges (based on HealthHub Singapore):
- Normal: Below 120/80 mmHg
- High-Normal: 130–139 / 85–89 mmHg
- Grade 1 Hypertension: 140–159 / 90–99 mmHg
- Grade 2 Hypertension: ≥160 / ≥100 mmHg
Common Causes of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can develop over time due to:
- A high-salt diet
- Being overweight or inactive
- Smoking or alcohol overuse
- Chronic stress
- Family history or ageing
- Underlying medical conditions
How to Lower High Blood Pressure:
Most people can manage hypertension with lifestyle changes, sometimes alongside medication. Here’s how:
- Check your blood pressure regularly
- Monitor it at home when relaxed and share results with your doctor.
- Monitor it at home when relaxed and share results with your doctor.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Reduce salt, avoid processed food, and choose more vegetables, fruit, and whole grains.
- Reduce salt, avoid processed food, and choose more vegetables, fruit, and whole grains.
- Get regular exercise
- Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (e.g. walking, swimming).
- Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (e.g. walking, swimming).
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Even small weight loss can help reduce blood pressure.
- Even small weight loss can help reduce blood pressure.
- Cut back on alcohol and quit smoking
- Both can damage blood vessels and raise your risk.
- Both can damage blood vessels and raise your risk.
- Follow medical advice
- Your doctor may prescribe medication depending on your risk profile.
What is Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)?
What Causes Low Blood Pressure?
Low blood pressure can result from:
- Dehydration
- Certain medications
- Prolonged bed rest or illness
- Hormonal changes
- Postural changes (e.g. standing up too quickly)
- Neurological conditions
How to Manage Low Blood Pressure
- Stand up slowly
- Change positions gradually, especially after lying down.
- Stay hydrated
- Drink plenty of water daily.
- Eat small, frequent meals
- Large meals (especially carbs) can worsen drops in pressure.
- Consider compression stockings
- These can improve blood circulations and reduce light-headedness.
- Review your medications
- Some medications may lower blood pressure so consult your doctor for adjustments if necessary.
- Ask about medication options
- In certain cases, medicine may help stabilise blood pressure.
Keeping Blood Pressure Balanced: What to Watch For
Whether your concern is hypertension, hypotension, or even large swings between the two, keeping track of your readings and understanding your triggers is key.
Look out for these signs to consult a doctor:
- Frequent headaches
Chest discomfort - Dizziness or fainting
- Blurred vision
- Unusual fatigue
When in Doubt, Speak to a Doctor
If you are concerned about your blood pressure and have been told your readings are too high, it’s important to see a doctor early. Clinics like PaedsEngage or your nearest CHAS GP clinic can assess the symptoms and provide the appropriate care.
At Little Haven Family Clinic, we are a CHAS GP clinic as well as PaedsENGAGE certified. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are normal or need attention, book an appointment with us here.
📍 Find us at City Square Mall — kid-friendly, centrally located, and open on weekends for your convenience.
