Manage and monitor blood pressure - high blood pressure explained

What is high blood pressure?

Your heart pumps blood around your body. As the blood moves, it pushes against the walls of your blood vessels. This is called blood pressure. Your body needs blood pressure to work. It carries oxygen, food, and energy to every part of you. If your blood pressure is too high, it adds strain on your heart and blood vessels. This is called high blood pressure or hypertension.

Why is high blood pressure a problem?

High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, such as:

• heart attack
• heart failure (when the heart gets too weak)
• stroke
• kidney problems
• vascular dementia (a type of memory loss)
• peripheral artery disease (poor blood flow to the legs)

If you have diabetes or high cholesterol, your risk is even higher.

What causes high blood pressure?

Sometimes there is no clear reason. But many things can raise your risk, such as:

• drinking too much alcohol
• smoking
• feeling stressed

You can’t change:

• getting older
• family history of high blood pressure
• your ethnic background
• health conditions like kidney problems

You can change:

• being overweight
• eating too much salt
• not moving enough

If another illness causes your high blood pressure, it’s called secondary hypertension. Most people have primary hypertension, which means there’s no single cause.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

Most people don’t feel any different. That’s why it’s often called a silent killer. Sometimes, if your blood pressure is very high, you might:

• get headaches
• have bloodshot eyes
• feel sick or dizzy

The only way to know for sure is to have it checked. If you’re worried, speak to a health care professional or go to your community pharmacy for a blood pressure check.

How is blood pressure measured?

Blood pressure is measured using a blood pressure monitor. This is quick and simple. The blood pressure monitor gives you two numbers as a reading presented as an example, like this:

120/80 (said as "120 over 80")

• The top number is when your heart pumps (called systolic pressure)
• The bottom number is when your heart rests (called diastolic pressure)

One high reading doesn’t always mean there’s a problem. Blood pressure can change during the day.

How can I lower my blood pressure?

Small changes can make a big difference. Lowering the top number by just 10 can reduce your risk of heart problems by 20%. Here are ways to help:

• Eat healthy food -  less salt, fat and takeaways
• Be active - move for 30 minutes most days
• Keep a healthy weight
• Drink less alcohol
• Stop smoking
• Find ways to relax and lower stress
• Take your medicine if your doctor gives you some

Some people have low blood pressure, which is only a worry if it makes you feel faint or dizzy.

Check your blood pressure regularly

Because high blood pressure often has no signs. It’s important to check it often. You can:

• check it at home with a monitor (your health care professional can show you how)
• go to your GP practice or local pharmacy

Checking at home helps you stay in control.

When to get help

If you feel unwell, or have questions about your blood pressure talk to your health care professional. They can give you advice, tests, or medication if needed. Looking after your blood pressure is one of the best things you can do for your long-term health. You don’t have to do it alone.