# High blood pressure: signs, risks and when to get checked in Kenya

_High blood pressure (hypertension) means the force of blood against your artery walls stays too high. Signs, risk factors, screening and next steps in..._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/hypertension

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> High blood pressure (hypertension) means the force of blood against your artery walls stays too high. It rarely causes symptoms but raises the risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney disease. When signs do appear, they can include severe headaches, at very high readings; chest pain or difficulty breathing; and dizziness, nausea or vomiting.

**Kenyan adults with high blood pressure:** About 1 in 4
_And only about 1 in 6 of them knew it. Kenya STEPwise survey 2015._

**High blood pressure: at a glance**

| Who should get checked | How it is checked | How we help | Fee |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| All adults from 18: have your blood pressure measured | A blood pressure measurement with a validated upper-arm cuff | Hypertension assessment | Hypertension and diabetes assessment, KES 200 |

## High blood pressure: signs, risks and when to get checked in Kenya: your questions answered

**Q: What is high blood pressure?**

A: High blood pressure (hypertension) means the force of blood against your artery walls stays too high. It rarely causes symptoms but raises the risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney disease.

**Q: What are the signs of high blood pressure?**

A: Usually no symptoms at all, which is why it is called a silent condition. Severe headaches, at very high readings. Chest pain or difficulty breathing. Dizziness, nausea or vomiting. Blurred vision. Nosebleeds or a pounding heartbeat.

**Q: Who is most at risk?**

A: A diet high in salt. Overweight, especially around the waist. Little physical activity. Tobacco and too much alcohol. A parent or sibling with high blood pressure. Age, especially over 40. Diabetes or kidney disease.

**Q: When should I see a doctor?**

A: A reading of 180/110 or higher, or high blood pressure with chest pain, severe headache, confusion, weakness or trouble breathing, needs urgent medical care.

**Q: How is high blood pressure checked?**

A: With a blood pressure measurement with a validated upper-arm cuff. All adults from 18: have your blood pressure measured.

**Q: What happens after a high-risk result?**

A: Repeat readings on different days to confirm. A clinical review, including checks for diabetes and kidney health. A plan: lifestyle changes first, and medicine if your clinician advises. Regular follow-up until your readings are below 140/90. A risk result is not a diagnosis.

**Q: What should I ask my doctor?**

A: Is my reading high enough to need treatment? Should I check my blood pressure at home, and with what machine? What lifestyle changes would make the biggest difference for me? Do I need tests for my kidneys, sugar or cholesterol? How often should I come back?

**Q: What does it cost?**

A: Blood pressure checks are quick and widely available at clinics and many pharmacies. My Wellness Health packages include free blood pressure monitoring.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: The hypertension assessment asks about 45 questions: when your blood pressure was last checked, diagnosed conditions and their follow-up, family history, waist size, salt, activity, alcohol, tobacco and sleep. It flags urgent warning signs and tells you when your next check is due. It costs KES 200. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours (Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm) to book what you need at a facility that suits your budget and location.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [Mohamed et al., Hypertension in Kenya: Kenya STEPwise survey 2015 (BMC Public Health, 2018)](https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s12889-018-6052-y)
- [Ministry of Health Kenya, Protocols for Management of Selected NCDs at Primary Care (2025)](https://health.go.ke/sites/default/files/2025-07/FINAL_NCD%20protocols.pdf)

## More on this condition

- [How to lower your risk of high blood pressure](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/hypertension/prevention)
- [High blood pressure screening in Kenya | My Wellness Health](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/hypertension/screening)