🫀 Internal Medicine · Apgujeong Hana Clinic

Hypertension Clinic Seoul — high blood pressure diagnosis & management in English.

Hypertension diagnosis and long-term management at Apgujeong Hana Clinic, Apgujeong, Gangnam. Board-certified internal medicine specialist — accurate assessment, medication management, lifestyle guidance and regular monitoring in English.

✅ English-Friendly ✅ Same-Week Appointments ✅ Long-Term Management ✅ WhatsApp Follow-up
1 in 3 adults have hypertension
50% don't know they have it
#1 cause of stroke worldwide
90% cases are manageable
Board-Certified Specialist
Accurate Diagnosis
Long-Term Management
English-Friendly
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About Hypertension

High blood pressure — the silent condition.

Hypertension — high blood pressure — is one of the most common and most dangerous chronic conditions in the world. It is called the "silent killer" because it produces no noticeable symptoms in the vast majority of people, even while quietly damaging blood vessels, the heart, kidneys and brain over years or decades.

In Korea, hypertension affects approximately 1 in 3 adults — and among expats in Seoul, the combination of workplace stress, dietary changes, reduced physical activity and disrupted sleep patterns significantly elevates risk. The only way to know if you have hypertension is to have your blood pressure measured by a healthcare professional.

At Apgujeong Hana Clinic, our board-certified internal medicine specialists diagnose and manage hypertension using the most current clinical guidelines. We provide accurate blood pressure assessment, appropriate medication when indicated, comprehensive lifestyle guidance and regular monitoring — all in English.

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Accurate Diagnosis
Proper blood pressure assessment including multiple readings and 24-hour monitoring if indicated — not a single rushed measurement.
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Medication Management
If medication is indicated, your specialist selects the most appropriate antihypertensive based on your profile and explains exactly how it works.
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Lifestyle Intervention
Dietary advice (DASH diet), salt reduction, exercise recommendations, alcohol guidance and stress management — personalised to your situation.
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Long-Term Monitoring
Regular follow-up appointments to track blood pressure control, adjust medications and monitor for target organ damage — in English throughout.
Blood Pressure Classifications

Understanding your blood pressure numbers.

Blood pressure is measured in two numbers — systolic (the pressure when your heart beats) over diastolic (the pressure between beats). Understanding what your numbers mean is the first step to managing your cardiovascular health.

Category Systolic (mmHg) Diastolic (mmHg) What It Means
Normal Less than 120 Less than 80 Healthy — maintain with lifestyle habits
Elevated 120–129 Less than 80 At risk — lifestyle changes recommended now
Stage 1 Hypertension 130–139 80–89 Hypertension — lifestyle + possible medication
Stage 2 Hypertension 140 or higher 90 or higher Significant hypertension — medication required
Hypertensive Crisis Higher than 180 Higher than 120 Emergency — seek immediate medical attention
Symptoms & Causes

Why hypertension is often missed — and what causes it.

The vast majority of people with hypertension have no symptoms at all — which is precisely why it is so dangerous. By the time symptoms appear, the blood pressure is often severely elevated and organ damage may already have occurred. The only reliable way to detect hypertension is through regular blood pressure measurement.

⚠️ Symptoms (when they occur)
Usually no symptoms at all — this is the danger
Headaches — particularly in the morning or back of head
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Blurred or double vision
Shortness of breath on mild exertion
Nosebleeds — in severe or long-standing hypertension
Chest tightness or palpitations
Note: symptoms often only appear at very high levels
🔎 Common Causes & Risk Factors
Age — risk increases significantly over 40
Family history of hypertension or heart disease
High salt (sodium) intake — common in Korean diet
Obesity and excess abdominal fat
Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle
Chronic stress — particularly workplace stress
Excessive alcohol consumption
Smoking — damages blood vessel walls
Underlying conditions — kidney disease, thyroid disorders
Treatment & Management

How we treat hypertension at Apgujeong Hana Clinic.

Hypertension management is highly personalised — there is no single approach that works for everyone. At Apgujeong Hana Clinic, your specialist designs a management plan based on the severity of your hypertension, your cardiovascular risk profile, other medical conditions, current medications and lifestyle factors.

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Dietary Modification
DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) — low sodium, high potassium, rich in vegetables, fruit and whole grains. Practical guidance tailored to eating in Seoul.
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Exercise & Activity
Regular aerobic exercise lowers blood pressure significantly. Your specialist provides specific exercise recommendations suitable for your fitness level and schedule.
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Stress Management
Chronic stress is a major driver of hypertension — particularly in expat executives. Evidence-based stress management strategies are part of your management plan.
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Smoking Cessation
Smoking raises blood pressure and dramatically increases cardiovascular risk. Medically supported smoking cessation is offered alongside hypertension management.
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Antihypertensive Medication
When lifestyle changes are insufficient or blood pressure is significantly elevated, medication is prescribed. Multiple drug classes are available — your specialist selects the most appropriate based on your profile.
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Regular Monitoring & Adjustment
Blood pressure control is reviewed at regular follow-up appointments. Medications adjusted as needed. Target organ monitoring — kidney function, ECG, eye health — included in long-term care.
Long-Term Monitoring

Why ongoing monitoring matters.

Hypertension is a chronic condition that requires long-term management — not just a one-off treatment. Blood pressure can fluctuate with stress, diet, seasonal changes and medication adjustments. Regular monitoring ensures your treatment is working and allows early detection of any complications.

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Cardiovascular Monitoring
Regular ECG and cardiovascular risk marker testing to monitor for early signs of heart strain from sustained high blood pressure.
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Kidney Function
Hypertension is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease. Regular creatinine, eGFR and urinalysis monitoring is included in long-term care.
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Eye Health
Sustained high blood pressure damages the blood vessels in the retina. Ophthalmology referral recommended when indicated by your specialist.
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WhatsApp Follow-up
Between appointments, our English-friendly team is available via WhatsApp for questions about your medication, readings or symptoms.
How It Works

Your hypertension consultation, step by step.

1
Book Your Consultation
WhatsApp or call to book. Let us know if you have had previous blood pressure readings, current medications or relevant family history. No fasting required for a blood pressure consultation.
2
Assessment & Diagnosis
Multiple accurate blood pressure readings taken. Physical examination. Blood tests ordered — kidney function, electrolytes, cholesterol, blood sugar and relevant cardiovascular markers.
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Treatment Plan
Your specialist explains your blood pressure classification, cardiovascular risk level and recommended management plan in English — lifestyle changes, medication if indicated and monitoring schedule.
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Ongoing Management
Regular follow-up appointments to monitor control, adjust medications and check for complications. WhatsApp support between visits. English reports provided for insurance.
FAQ

Your questions answered.

More questions about hypertension? WhatsApp our English-friendly team at Apgujeong Hana Clinic.

For most people, hypertension is a chronic condition that is managed rather than cured — but "managed" means keeping your blood pressure consistently in the normal range, which eliminates most of the cardiovascular risk. Some people with mild hypertension who make significant lifestyle changes — weight loss, dietary improvement, exercise — can reduce blood pressure to normal levels without medication. Your specialist will advise based on your specific situation.
Not necessarily. Some patients — particularly those who were overweight, sedentary or consuming excess salt — can reduce or discontinue medication after significant lifestyle improvements bring blood pressure under control. However, this is only done under specialist supervision with regular monitoring. Never stop blood pressure medication without consulting your doctor first.
Yes. Most common antihypertensive medications are available in Korea. Bring your current medication name and dosage to your appointment — your specialist will arrange a Korean equivalent if needed and ensure continuity of your treatment without interruption.
For newly diagnosed or recently adjusted hypertension, follow-up every 4–6 weeks is typical until blood pressure is well controlled. Once stable, follow-up every 3–6 months is usually appropriate. Your specialist will recommend a personalised monitoring schedule based on your blood pressure severity and overall cardiovascular risk.
Yes. All prescriptions and medication instructions are explained in English. We can also provide an English medication summary for insurance documentation or for sharing with your doctor in your home country.
WhatsApp (+82 10-2950-7551) is the fastest way. You can also call 02) 3443-7550 or book via Naver Booking. Same-week appointments are usually available. We are at 328 Apgujeong-ro, KFC Building 3F, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Mon–Fri 09:00–19:00, Sat 09:00–13:00.

Get your blood pressure checked at Apgujeong Hana Clinic.

Hypertension diagnosis and management in English — Apgujeong Hana Clinic, Gangnam Seoul. Board-certified specialist. Same-week appointments available.

Accurate Diagnosis
English Management Plan
Medication Prescriptions
Long-Term Monitoring