High blood pressure, also called hypertension, means your blood is pushing against the walls of your blood vessels harder than it should. Over time this strains your heart, blood vessels, kidneys and eyes.
It is very common, especially as people get older. It rarely causes symptoms, which is why it is sometimes called a "silent" condition. The only way to know is to have it checked.
What the numbers mean
A blood pressure reading has two numbers, for example 120/80:
- the top number is the pressure when your heart pushes blood out
- the bottom number is the pressure when your heart rests between beats
| Reading | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| 90/60 to 120/80 | Healthy |
| 120/80 to 140/90 | Higher than ideal, so healthy changes can help |
| 140/90 or higher (135/85 or higher at home) | High blood pressure |
Why it matters
Untreated high blood pressure raises your risk of:
- heart attacks and heart failure
- strokes
- kidney disease
- vascular dementia
- sight problems
The good news is that lowering your blood pressure lowers these risks.
What causes it?
Often there is no single cause. Things that raise your risk include:
- being older
- eating too much salt
- being overweight or not active enough
- drinking a lot of alcohol
- smoking
- a family history of high blood pressure
- being of Black African or Black Caribbean heritage
- some conditions, such as kidney disease or diabetes
Getting diagnosed
If a check shows high blood pressure, your GP will usually ask you to check it over a few days, either with a home monitor or a small 24 hour monitor you wear. This makes sure the reading was not just high because you were nervous at the surgery. You may also have blood and urine tests and a heart trace (ECG).
Treatment
Healthy changes help everyone. Many people also need one or more medicines. See high blood pressure treatment.
Common questions
What is a normal blood pressure?
A healthy blood pressure is usually between 90/60 and 120/80. High blood pressure is usually 140/90 or higher when measured at a surgery or pharmacy, or 135/85 or higher when measured at home.
Can high blood pressure be cured?
For most people it is a long-term condition that is controlled rather than cured. Healthy changes and medicines can bring it down to a safe level, and some people are able to reduce or stop medicines over time with their doctor's advice.
Where can I get my blood pressure checked?
At your GP surgery, at many pharmacies, or at home with a monitor. In England, many pharmacies offer free checks to adults aged 40 or over, and the free NHS Health Check for people aged 40 to 74 includes a blood pressure check.
Sources we used
- NHS, High blood pressure
- NICE guideline NG136, Hypertension in adults
- British Heart Foundation, High blood pressure
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