High Blood Pressure

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (also called hypertension) happens when your blood pushes too hard against the walls of your blood vessels. Think of it like a garden hose - if the water pressure gets too high, it can damage the hose over time.

The tricky thing about high blood pressure is that it usually doesn't cause any symptoms. This is why it's sometimes called the "silent killer" - you can have it for years without knowing.

Who gets high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is very common, especially as people get older. You're more likely to have it if:

• You're over 40
• Close family members have high blood pressure
• You're from a Black African, Black Caribbean or South Asian background
• You eat too much salt
• You're overweight
• You smoke
• You drink too much alcohol
• You feel stressed for long periods

Why should I worry about it?

If high blood pressure isn't treated, it puts extra strain on your heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. Over time, this can lead to serious problems like:

• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Heart failure
• Kidney disease
• Problems with your memory

The good news is that even small reductions in blood pressure can help protect you from these problems.

How do I know if I have high blood pressure?

The only way to know is to get your blood pressure checked. Many pharmacies offer free checks for people over 40, or you can book an appointment at your GP surgery.

You should get checked if:

• You think you might be at risk
• You're over 40 and haven't been checked for more than 5 years

A blood pressure test is simple - a cuff goes around your upper arm and measures the pressure in your blood vessels.

What do the numbers mean?

Blood pressure readings have two numbers, like 130/80. You usually have high blood pressure if your reading is:

• 140/90 or higher at the GP surgery
• 135/85 or higher when checked at home

When to seek help

Speak to your GP if you're worried about your blood pressure.

Call NHS 111 if you often have:

• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Chest pain that comes and goes

⚠️ Call 999 immediately if you have:

• Sudden chest pain that doesn't go away
• Chest pain that feels like squeezing, pressure or burning
• Chest pain that spreads to your arms, neck, jaw, stomach or back
• Chest pain with sweating, feeling sick, light-headedness or breathlessness

These could be signs of a heart attack.

What can I do about it?

Simple lifestyle changes can help:

Do:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Exercise regularly (aim for 150 minutes a week)
• Lose weight if you're overweight

Don't:

• Eat too much salt
• Drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week
• Have too much caffeine (coffee, tea, cola)
• Smoke

If lifestyle changes aren't enough, your GP might prescribe blood pressure medicines. These are usually taken as tablets once a day.

Remember, high blood pressure can be managed well with the right treatment and lifestyle changes. Speak to your GP if you have any concerns about your blood pressure.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.