High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Key Points

Overview

High blood pressure, or hypertension, means your blood is pushing too hard against the walls of your arteries. It's very common, especially as you get older, and usually has no symptoms, so many people don't know they have it. Untreated high blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart, blood vessels, and other organs like your brain and kidneys. This can increase your risk of serious conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease. The good news is that high blood pressure can be managed. Simple lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication can help lower your blood pressure and keep you healthy.

Signs and Symptoms

• Usually no symptoms
• Rarely, headaches
• Rarely, blurred vision
• Rarely, chest pain
• Only way to know is a blood pressure check

Things That Increase the Risk

• Increasing age
• Family history of high blood pressure
• Black African, Black Caribbean, or South Asian ethnicity
• Unhealthy diet, especially high salt
• Being overweight
• Smoking
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Long-term stress

Diagnosis

• Blood pressure cuff test by a healthcare professional
• Home blood pressure monitoring over several days
• Repeat checks at a clinic
• Wearing a 24-hour portable monitor

Treatment & Management

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Exercising regularly (150 minutes a week)
• Losing weight if overweight
• Reducing salt intake
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Stopping smoking
• Taking prescribed blood pressure medicines

Prevention

• Maintain a healthy diet
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Manage a healthy weight
• Limit salt and alcohol intake
• Avoid smoking
• Get regular blood pressure checks

Related Diseases

• Heart disease
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Kidney disease
• Vascular dementia

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for High Blood Pressure (Hypertension):