High Blood Pressure This factsheet is for people who have high blood pressure (hypertension), or who would like information about it. Blood pressure is a measure of the force that the blood applies to the walls of the arteries as it flows through them. It's normal for blood pressure to increase when you exert yourself, or when you feel stressed or anxious. But if your blood pressure is consistently higher than the healthy level when at rest, this is high blood pressure (hypertension). About high blood pressure Blood carrying oxygen and nutrients is pumped around your body by your heart. As a result of the pumping action of your heart and the size and flexibility of your arteries that carry blood, the blood is under pressure. This blood pressure is an essential part of the way your body works. You can get high blood pressure if the walls of your larger arteries lose their elasticity and become rigid. About three in 10 adults in the UK have high blood pressure. It's much more common in older people - seven out of 10 people over 70 have high blood pressure. Symptoms Most people with high blood pressure don't have any symptoms. If you have very high blood pressure, or a rapid rise in blood pressure, you may have headaches, problems with your vision, fits or black-outs. Complications If you have high blood pressure, you have an increased risk of major illnesses including:
Causes Primary hypertension Although the exact cause of primary hypertension isn't fully understood, it's known that some factors to do with your lifestyle can contribute. These include:
If someone else in your family has high blood pressure, you also have a higher risk of developing it. Secondary hypertension
Diagnosis As you might not have any symptoms, your GP may diagnose high blood pressure when you have your blood pressure taken as part of a medical examination. That's one good reason to have a regular check-up with your GP, especially if you're over 50. Your GP or nurse will measure your blood pressure with a monitor called a sphygmomanometer. A cuff is placed around your upper arm and inflated to a certain level, then deflated slowly. A sensor in the cuff provides information about your blood pressure. The result is expressed as two numbers, such as 120/80mmHg (one hundred and twenty over eighty millimetres of mercury).
In the UK, hypertension is defined as a consistently increased systolic blood pressure of 140 or over and/or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 or over. If your blood pressure is around this level, your GP will probably want to monitor it regularly. If you have diabetes, your blood pressure should be lower than this - ideally less than 130/80. Your GP may ask you to come back for repeat measurements over a number of weeks before suggesting that you have treatment. This is so he or she can check that the high reading is an ongoing problem and not a one-off. You may also need some tests to see if hypertension is affecting the rest of your body. These may include:
Monitoring Blood pressure monitors It's important to take readings on different days - for example you shouldn't just measure your blood pressure when you feel stressed. Set days in the week to take the measurement so that you can get a consistent reading. You should continue to have your blood pressure tested regularly by your GP even if you use a blood pressure monitor at home. Treatment You're likely to need long-term treatment for high blood pressure as it isn't curable. You may not need much treatment if you only have slightly raised blood pressure, but regular monitoring is important. If you have very high blood pressure, you may need to go to hospital for treatment. But it's much more likely that you will be cared for by your GP and/or a nurse. Self-help
It may also help to try to reduce the stress in your life to prevent short-term rises in blood pressure - try relaxation techniques or meditation. Medicines
The medicines your GP prescribes will depend on a number of factors, including your age and ethnicity. It may take time to find the best treatment for you; one that balances benefits against any side-effects. It's important to be committed to taking your medication every day even if you don't have any symptoms of high blood pressure. Special considerations Pregnancy If you have high blood pressure and think you may be, or are trying to become, pregnant it's important that you tell your GP. Certain medicines for treating high blood pressure aren't suitable for pregnant women. Ethnic groups You should also be monitored regularly if you're of South Asian origin because you have a higher risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. High blood pressure Q&As See our answers to common questions about high blood pressure, including: Related topics
Related products and services Bupa Wellness offers a blood pressure check as part of every Bupa Health Assessment, or through a visit to one of our private GPs. Further information Blood Pressure Association British Heart Foundation Sources
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