Simple Definition:
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is when the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high.
Stress can raise blood pressure for short periods, and long-term stress may contribute to unhealthy habits like poor diet or smoking, which increase the risk of high blood pressure.
High blood pressure usually does not go away without treatment. Lifestyle changes and, if needed, medicines are the best way to control it.
Yes, hypertension is just the medical term for high blood pressure.
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is when the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When the pressure is too strong for too long, it can damage the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and other serious conditions.
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and written as two numbers. The first number, called systolic pressure, is the pressure when the heart contracts and pumps blood. The second number, called diastolic pressure, is the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats. A normal reading is usually around 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure is generally diagnosed when readings are consistently 140/90 mmHg or above.
High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it does not usually cause obvious symptoms, but over time it quietly damages the body. It makes the heart work harder, which can cause the heart muscle to thicken and weaken. It also damages artery walls, making them stiffer and more likely to get blocked. This is why high blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors for strokes, heart attacks, and heart failure.
This chart shows the different categories of blood pressure, measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). It compares systolic pressure (the top number, when the heart contracts) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number, when the heart relaxes). Green represents normal blood pressure, yellow shows elevated levels, and the shades of orange and red highlight increasing stages of high blood pressure. The darker the colour, the greater the health risk, with a hypertensive crisis needing urgent medical attention.
There is not always a single cause. For many people, it develops gradually with age. Factors that increase the chances include being overweight, eating too much salt, drinking too much alcohol, smoking, and not getting enough exercise. Stress can also play a role.
Other medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and thyroid problems, can also lead to high blood pressure. In some cases, medicines like steroids or contraceptive pills may contribute.
Most of the time, no. That is why it is dangerous. Many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing. In very severe cases, symptoms like headaches, blurred vision, chest pain, or nosebleeds can happen, but these are rare and often linked to extremely high readings.
Because symptoms are uncommon, the only reliable way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get it measured.
Doctors usually check blood pressure with a cuff that goes around the upper arm. The test is quick and painless. Because pressure can change during the day, a diagnosis is not made from a single reading. Instead, doctors often take several measurements over time, or ask patients to wear a monitor for 24 hours to get an average result. If you want to visit a private clinic, places like Heartsure offer the 24 hour holder monitor.
If readings are consistently high, the diagnosis is confirmed. Doctors may also check blood and urine to look for related problems, and sometimes order scans or heart tests to see if any damage has been caused.
Anyone can develop it, but it is more common as people get older. Family history plays a role too. People of African or Caribbean descent are at higher risk. Lifestyle is also important—those who smoke, are overweight, or eat a diet high in salt are more likely to have it.
Men are slightly more likely than women to develop high blood pressure before age 55, but after this age, women are just as likely to be affected.
Yes, it can. For many people, lifestyle changes are enough to lower blood pressure. Losing weight, exercising regularly, eating less salt, and cutting down on alcohol all help. Stopping smoking and managing stress are also important.
When lifestyle changes alone are not enough, medicines are often prescribed. These include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and beta-blockers. The choice depends on age, other health conditions, and side effects. Many people take more than one medicine to keep blood pressure under control.
If left untreated, high blood pressure can cause serious long-term problems. It increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, heart failure, and vascular dementia. Damage builds up slowly over the years, which is why early diagnosis and treatment are so important.
In many cases, yes. Prevention is very similar to treatment. Keeping to a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, and limiting salt and alcohol all help keep blood pressure at safe levels. Regular check-ups are important, especially for people with a family history or other risk factors.
Even small changes, such as walking more, cutting down on processed foods, or reducing stress, can make a big difference.
For most people, life with high blood pressure can be managed well with treatment. Medicines may be needed long term, but they are effective. Many people continue to live full, active lives while keeping their blood pressure under control.
However, it does require ongoing attention. Regular check-ups, sticking to prescribed medicines, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are essential. Monitoring blood pressure at home with a digital machine can also be helpful.
Adults should have their blood pressure checked at least once every five years, but more often if there are risk factors. People over 40 are offered free NHS Health Checks that include blood pressure testing. If you already have high blood pressure, your doctor will advise how often you need monitoring.
High blood pressure is when the force of blood against artery walls is too high, putting strain on the heart and increasing the risk of serious diseases. It rarely causes symptoms, which is why regular checks are vital.
It can be managed with lifestyle changes and medicines if needed. Preventing high blood pressure is possible through healthy habits, and with the right treatment, people can live long and active lives while keeping it under control.
Disclaimer: Seonat provides general health information for educational purposes only. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition or before making health decisions.
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