Rarely do the symptoms of high blood pressure, or hypertension, become apparent. However, if left untreated, it raises your risk of developing serious conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
In the UK, one in three adults has high blood pressure, though many do not know it.
Having your blood pressure checked is the only way to determine if it is high.
High blood pressure: what is it?
Two numbers are used to record blood pressure. Your heart pumps blood throughout your body at a force known as systolic pressure, which is represented by a higher number.
The resistance to blood flow in the blood vessels is represented by the diastolic pressure (lower number).
Both of them are expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
Generally speaking:
High blood pressure is defined as readings between 140/90 mm Hg and 150/90 mm Hg, or an average of 135/85 mm Hg and 145/85 mm Hg, respectively. Ideal blood pressure for people over 80 is typically between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg, while the goal for people over 80 is below 150/90mmHg (or 145/85mmHg at home).
If you don't take action to keep your blood pressure under control, blood pressure readings between 120/80mmHg and 140/90mmHg could indicate that you're at risk of developing high blood pressure.
Each person will have a slightly different blood pressure reading. What you deem low or high may be normal to another person. High blood pressure risks
Your blood vessels, heart, and other organs, including the brain, kidneys, and eyes, are under additional stress if your blood pressure is too high.
Consistently high blood pressure can raise your risk of developing several serious and possibly fatal medical conditions, including:
- heart disease
- heart attacks
- strokes
- heart failure
- peripheral arterial disease
- aortic aneurysms
- kidney disease
- vascular dementia
If you have high blood pressure, lowering it even slightly can help reduce your risk of developing these illnesses.
Do a blood pressure check.
A blood pressure test is the only way to determine if you have high blood pressure.
Blood pressure should be checked at least every five years for all adults over 40.
It's simple to do this, and it might just save your life.
There are several locations where you can get your blood pressure checked, including:
as part of your NHS Health Check at your GP office, at some pharmacies, and in some workplaces
You can also check your own blood pressure using a home blood pressure monitor.
Learn more about taking a blood pressure reading.
Things that could make you more likely to develop high blood pressure
Some factors can raise your risk even though the exact cause of high blood pressure is unknown.
You could be more vulnerable if you:
are overweight, consume unhealthy amounts of salt and fruit and vegetables, under-exercise, and consume excessive amounts of alcohol and coffee (or other caffeinated beverages).
Those who smoke, have restless or insufficient sleep, are over 65, have a relative with high blood pressure, and
are from the Black Caribbean or Black Africa
live in a poor neighborhood
Making healthy lifestyle changes can sometimes help lower your blood pressure if it's already high and helps lower your risk of developing high blood pressure.
High blood pressure treatment
Doctors can assist you in maintaining a safe blood pressure level by using:
medicines, altering one's lifestyle
Each person has a different ideal solution.
To assist you in making a treatment decision, consult your doctor.
You may also find this patient decision aid (PDF, 132kb) useful in understanding your available treatment options.
altering one's way of life to lower blood pressure
These way-of-life adjustments can assist in preventing and lowering high blood pressure:
Eat a healthy diet and cut back on the salt you consume.
eschew alcohol
if you're overweight, reduce your caffeine intake and engage in regular exercise.
Quit smoking.
To prevent their blood pressure from rising too high, some people with high blood pressure may also need to take one or more medications.
Medications for hypertension
Your doctor might suggest taking 1 or more medications if you have high blood pressure to keep it under control.
These are available as tablets and are typically taken once daily.
Some typical blood pressure medications are:
ACE inhibitors, such as enalapril, lisinopril, perindopril, and ramipril, angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs), such as candesartan, irbesartan, losartan, valsartan, and olmesartan, calcium channel blockers, such as amlodipine, felodipine, and nifedipine, or dilt
The medication that is prescribed for you will depend on factors like your blood pressure level, age, and ethnicity.
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