What is high blood pressure?

Blood pressure is recorded with 2 numbers. The systolic pressure (higher number) is the force at which your heart pumps blood around your body.

The diastolic pressure (lower number) is the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels between heartbeats.

Risks of high blood pressure

If your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart, and other organs, such as the brain, kidneys, and eyes.

Persistent high blood pressure can increase your risk of several serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions.

If you have high blood pressure, reducing it even a small amount can help lower your risk of these health conditions.

Check your blood pressure

The only way of knowing whether you have high blood pressure is to have a blood pressure test.

All adults over 40 are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least every 5 years. 

Getting this done is easy and could save your life.

Where can I get my blood pressure tested?

·         at your GP surgery

·         at some pharmacies

·         You can also check your blood pressure yourself with a home blood pressure monitor.

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If you are 40 years or over in age and NOT on any blood pressure medication. Is your blood pressure regularly monitored by a health care professional? Have you had your Blood pressure checked in the last 5 years?

If you are under 40 years of age and NOT on any blood pressure medication. Is your blood pressure regularly monitored by a health care professional? Do you have any family history of high blood pressure?

Have you had any visual auras (visual disturbances)?

If you answer yes to any of the above and you do NOT have your blood pressure regularly monitored, you are eligible for a free NHS blood pressure check as part of your eye examination.

Treatment for high blood pressure.

Doctors can help you keep your blood pressure to a safe level using:

·         lifestyle changes

·         medicines

What works best is different for each person. Talk to your doctor to help you decide about treatment.

Lifestyle changes to reduce blood pressure.

These lifestyle changes can help prevent and lower high blood pressure:

·         reduce the amount of salt you eat and have a generally healthy diet.

·         cut back on alcohol.

·         lose weight if you're overweight.

·         exercise regularly.

·         cut down on caffeine.

·         stop smoking.

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