High Blood Pressure - a Summary

What is high blood pressure (hypertension)?

• High blood pressure means that the pressure of blood in your arteries (blood vessels) is too high. Blood pressure is measured as two figures, for example 140/85 mmHg.
• A 'one-off' high reading does not mean that you have ongoing high blood pressure.
• You have 'high blood pressure' if you have several high readings (140/90 or above) taken on different days when you are relaxed.
• When treated for high blood pressure, the usual 'target' is to get the pressure below 140/85.
• In some cases, your doctor is likely to advise an even lower target of below 130/80. For example, if you have diabetes, heart disease, or if you have chronic kidney disease.

Some general points about high blood pressure

• In the UK, about half of people over 65, and about 1 in 4 middle aged adults, have high blood pressure. It is less common in younger adults.
• High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms. However, over the years, high blood pressure may be damaging to the arteries and put a strain on your heart.
• Having high blood pressure is one of several 'risk factors' that can increase your chance of developing heart disease, a stroke, and other serious conditions.
• The higher the blood pressure, the greater the health risk. If you lower a high blood pressure, you reduce your risk of serious illness.
• In most cases, the cause of high blood pressure is not known. Rarely, high blood pressure is caused by other conditions. For example, certain kidney or hormone problems.

What can I do if I have high blood pressure?

• You can lower your blood pressure (and also gain other health benefits) if you:
  • Lose weight if you are overweight.
  • Eat healthily, which includes eating lots of fruit and vegetables. Also, eat less salt - cut down on processed foods and add less salt in cooking and at the table.
  • Exercise (such as a brisk walk) for at least 30 minutes, on five or more days a week.
  • Cut down the amount you drink if you drink a lot of alcohol.
• Reduce any other health risks:
  • If you smoke, you should make every effort to stop.
  • You are likely to be advised treatment to lower your cholesterol level.

What is the treatment for high blood pressure?

• Changes in lifestyle (described above) are an important part of treatment.
• If your blood pressure remains at 160/100 or above, medication is usually advised.
• If you have mild high blood pressure (140/90 to 160/100), you may not need medication. However, medication is usually advised if:
  • you also have other increased health risks (for example, a high cholesterol level).
  • you already have heart disease, have had a stroke, or there are any signs of early damage from the high blood pressure.
• There are several types of drugs that can lower blood pressure.
• One drug may control high blood pressure. However, it is common to need two or more different drugs to lower high blood pressure to a target level.

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