Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a chronic condition in which the force of blood against artery walls is persistently too high. It is one of the most common conditions managed by doctors in Korea and a leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke.
Blood pressure is measured as two numbers: systolic pressure (the force when the heart beats) over diastolic pressure (the force when the heart rests between beats), expressed in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). Normal blood pressure is generally defined as below 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is diagnosed when readings consistently measure 130/80 mmHg or higher by the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, or 140/90 mmHg by some international and WHO guidelines.
Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because it causes no symptoms in the vast majority of cases — damage accumulates silently in blood vessels, the heart, kidneys, and brain. If left uncontrolled, hypertension significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, heart failure, and vision loss. Korea has a high prevalence of hypertension, estimated at 30–35% of adults, driven by sedentary lifestyle, dietary salt intake, obesity, and the ageing population.
Hypertension is classified as primary (essential) — no identified cause, the most common form — or secondary, caused by an underlying condition (kidney disease, hormonal disorder, medication side effect). Management involves lifestyle modification (reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, limiting alcohol, maintaining healthy weight) and medication (including ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, and thiazide diuretics). Korea's community health centres provide blood pressure monitoring, medication, and lifestyle counselling.
Key Points
- Diagnosed when blood pressure consistently ≥130/80 or ≥140/90 mmHg (by different guidelines)
- Usually no symptoms — routine checks are essential for early detection
- One of the most common conditions in Korea — estimated 30–35% of adults
- Major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, kidney disease
- Managed with lifestyle changes and medications
- Community health centres provide monitoring and management for Korea residents
Causes & Risk Factors
- Sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity
- High dietary salt intake
- Obesity and excess body fat — particularly abdominal
- Family history and genetic predisposition
- Chronic stress
- Secondary causes: kidney disease, hyperaldosteronism, thyroid disorders, certain medications
When to See a Doctor
- For blood pressure screening — recommended at every routine health check
- If you have a family history of hypertension or cardiovascular disease
- If home blood pressure measurements are consistently above 130/80 mmHg
- If you experience sudden severe headache, chest pain, vision changes, or confusion — these can indicate a hypertensive emergency — call 119
- For regular follow-up if you are already on blood pressure medication
For emergencies in Korea, call 119
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This content is published for educational purposes only. For accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment, consult a licensed KMA physician in Korea.
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Medical Disclaimer
This article is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace a professional clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. For accurate medical diagnosis and personalised treatment paths, please book an appointment with a licensed KMA physician. For immediate life-threatening medical emergencies in Korea, please call 119.
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Last reviewed: May 29, 2026