Blood pressure consists of systolic pressure (heart pumping) over diastolic pressure (heart resting between beats): * **Normal:** Less than 120/80 mmHg. * **Elevated:** 120–129 systolic and < 80 diastolic. * **Stage 1 Hypertension:** 130–139 systolic or 80–89 diastolic. * **Stage 2 Hypertension:** 140 or higher systolic or 90 or higher diastolic. * **Hypertensive Crisis:** Greater than 180 systolic and/or greater than 120 diastolic. This requires immediate emergency evaluation to prevent acute aortic dissection or stroke.

While classic heart attacks cause crushing 'elephant-on-chest' pressure, women and diabetic patients frequently present with subtle, atypical symptoms that are dangerously mistaken for indigestion: * Sudden unexplained shortness of breath without chest pain. * Severe fatigue, lightheadedness, or sudden syncope (fainting). * Epigastric burning and heartburn unresponsive to antacids. * Pain isolated only in the jaw, neck, throat, or upper back. At Alkhidmat Hospital Swabi, our 24/7 Emergency Department provides immediate 12-lead ECG and rapid Troponin testing to diagnose acute coronary syndrome within 10 minutes.