High blood pressure

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, means the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is consistently higher than it should be, which puts extra strain on your blood vessels and heart [1].

Blood pressure is written as two numbers, such as 130/80. As a general guide, it is usually considered high if it is 140/90mmHg or higher when measured by a healthcare professional, or 135/85mmHg or higher when measured at home [1]. This information is general and may not apply to everyone.

High blood pressure very often causes no symptoms, which is why many people do not know they have it — the only way to find out is to have it checked [1]. Rarely, very high blood pressure may be linked with symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision or chest pain [1].

For many people there is no single cause, but several things can increase the chance of developing high blood pressure. These include getting older, a family history of high blood pressure, being of Black African, Black Caribbean or South Asian background, a diet high in salt, being overweight, smoking, drinking too much alcohol and long-term stress [1].

Blood pressure is measured using a cuff placed around your upper arm [1]. Because a single reading can be misleading, a diagnosis is often confirmed with further checks — for example monitoring at home over several days, repeat checks at your GP surgery, or wearing a portable monitor that takes readings over 24 hours [1]. In the UK, how hypertension is diagnosed and managed follows the NICE guideline on hypertension in adults (NG136) [2].

High blood pressure can often be lowered and managed. Lifestyle steps that may help include eating a healthy diet with less salt, being physically active (the NHS suggests at least 150 minutes a week), losing weight if needed, cutting down on alcohol and caffeine, and stopping smoking [1]. Where appropriate, a doctor may also prescribe medicine to lower blood pressure [1].

This page does not recommend any specific medicine. Do not start, stop or change any prescribed treatment based on this information — a healthcare professional can discuss the options that suit your circumstances.

If high blood pressure is not treated, it can raise the risk of serious health problems over time, including heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, kidney disease and vascular dementia [1].

If you do not know your blood pressure, you can ask your GP surgery or a pharmacist for a check [1]. Speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your blood pressure or treatment.