High blood pressure can be effectively treated. It is important, however
for patients to be examined by a doctor before treatment is begun. On
occasions, this may reveal a cause for high blood pressure or suggest special
tests to find such a cause. More important it helps to detect any harmful
results of high blood pressure which may require treatment and it may also
indicate the type of medicine which may be required. Some commonly used
tablets are harmful, for example, in patients with chest disease. Simple blood
and urine tests, electrocardiograms and chest X-rays may give additional
information in selected patients.