An introduction to hypertension

If left untreated, this very common condition increases your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

Hypertension rarely has noticeable symptoms. Many people will not know they have it. Around 1 in 4 adults in the UK have high blood pressure.

What is blood pressure?

Your arteries need a certain amount of pressure to carry blood from your heart to your brain and the rest of your body. This force is known as blood pressure.

Everyone’s blood pressure will be different. It is also normal for it to go up and down throughout the day and when you move or exercise.

Blood pressure is measured using two numbers. The first (or top) number is known as systolic pressure. The second (or bottom) number is called diastolic pressure.

This is what people are referring to when you hear them say, “One twenty over eighty” which looks like 120/80 when written out.

• Systolic pressure: the larger number of the two. This is the pressure against your artery walls when your heart is pumping blood.
• Diastolic pressure: the smaller number of the two. This is the pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats.

Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).

Generally speaking, the ideal blood pressure is between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg. For people over the age of 80, the ideal blood pressure is below 145/85mmHg. It is higher for the over-80s because arteries stiffen as we age. This is normal.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension is the medical term for when your blood pressure is always higher than it should be, even when you are resting. It is diagnosed when your blood pressure is above 140/90, or 150/90 if you are over the age of 80.

High blood pressure often has no symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as heart disease, kidney disease or strokes.

Causes and risk factors

Anyone can have high blood pressure. There is often no specific reason or cause, but most people develop it as a result of their lifestyle and diet.

You might be more at risk of hypertension if you:

• are over the age of 65
• have a family history of high blood pressure
• don’t get enough exercise
• smoke
• drink too much alcohol
• are overweight
• eat too much salt

How serious is hypertension?

High blood pressure puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs such as the brain, kidneys and eyes.

If untreated, hypertension can lead to:

• heart attacks
• strokes
• kidney disease
• vascular dementia
• problems with your sight

Treatment for hypertension

For many people, making lifestyle changes can reduce blood pressure. These include:

• Reducing the amount of salt you eat
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Reducing how much alcohol you drink
• Losing weight
• Exercising regularly
• Stopping smoking

There are also medicines available to help keep your blood pressure under control. Among the common medicines that a doctor may prescribe to you are:

• ACE inhibitors
• Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs)
• Calcium channel blockers
• Diuretics
• Beta blockers
• Alpha blockers

The medicine recommended for you will depend on how high your blood pressure is, your age and your ethnicity.

Side effects of hypertension

For many people, high blood pressure goes unnoticed as the symptoms are not obvious. This is why it’s so important to get your blood pressure checked regularly.

If your blood pressure is high, you may notice the following:

• Blurred vision
• Nosebleeds
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Headaches

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and your blood pressure is high, seek medical advice or call NHS 111.