What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension (or high blood pressure) is when the pressure in your blood vessels is too high (140/90 mmHg or higher) forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood. It is common condition especially in older adults but can be very serious if not treated.
Blood pressure is represented by two numbers. The first number, known as the systolic number, indicates the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats. The second number, called the diastolic number, reflects the pressure in the vessels when the heart rests between beats.
Hypertension is diagnosed if, when measured on two different days, the systolic blood pressure readings are 130/80 or higher on both occasions.
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Blood Pressure Category
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Systolic (upper Number)
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Diastolic (lower number)
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Normal Blood Pressure (Ideal)
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Less than 120
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Less than 80
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Elevated Blood Pressure
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120-129
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Not above 80
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Stage 1 hypertension
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130-139
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8-89
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Stage 2 hypertension
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140 or higher
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90 or higher
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Blood pressure higher than 180/120 mm Hg is considered a hypertensive emergency or crisis. Anyone with these blood pressure numbers should seek emergency medical help.
Risk Factors
High blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to serious problems like heart attacks or strokes. But lifestyle changes and blood pressure medicines can help you stay healthy.
Untreated, high blood pressure greatly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and other serious health problems. Fortunately, it is often manageable with lifestyle changes and medication.
Things that increase your chances of having high blood pressure include:
- Older Age – you're more likely to get high blood pressure as you get older.
- Family History - having close relatives with high blood pressure.
- Ethnicity – you're at higher risk if you have a Black African, Black Caribbean or South Asian ethnic background.
- An unhealthy diet – especially a diet that's high in salt or high in saturated fat and trans fats with a low intake of fruits and vegetables.
- Being overweight/obese
- Smoking
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Lack of physical activity
- feeling stressed over a long period
Symptoms
Hypertension is often asymptomatic, meaning you may not feel any symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. Nearly half of adults who have hypertension don’t realize it, so regular checkups are important.
Rarely, high blood pressure (usually 180/120 or higher) can cause symptoms such as:
- headaches
- blurred vision
- chest pain
- dizziness
- difficulty breathing
- nausea
- anxiety
- confusion
- buzzing in the ears
- nosebleeds
- abnormal heart rhythm
However, these symptoms aren't specific. They usually don't occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening stage. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and do have high blood pressure, seek care immediately.
If you are 40 or older and haven't had your blood pressure checked in over five years, or if you suspect you may have hypertension, we highly recommend getting it checked.
How Do I Check My Blood Pressure?
Thankfully having your blood pressure measured is quick and painless and there are a variety of ways to get it checked.
Surgery POD Machines
All the Surgeries within our PCN are now equipped with Pod machines for patient use. These innovative, user-friendly machines offer a range of services designed to empower patients to take charge of their health.
Patients can measure their own blood pressure easily, ensuring they remain informed about their cardiovascular health. Additionally, the machines enable contraceptive pill checks, allowing for quick and convenient consultations regarding birth control options, along with a range of other services.
They are completely free, easy to use and don’t require an appointment. Patients are welcome to visit during opening hours to use the machinery as often as needed.
More information about our Pod machines and their uses in our PCN can be found HERE.
Local Pharmacies
Many pharmacies in the UK, particularly in England, offer free blood pressure checks as part of the NHS Community Pharmacy Blood Pressure Check Service. This service, also known as the Hypertension Case-Finding Advanced Service, allows pharmacists to identify individuals with high blood pressure (hypertension) and refer them to their GP for proper management.
Pharmacies that offer free blood pressure tests can be found HERE.
Home BP Checks
These machines can be bought and sometimes rented from your surgery. If you are found to have hypertension or a condition that requires BP monitoring your GP may refer you to your surgery's reception staff to collect a machine. From there you just need to send the results into your surgery on a regular basis. Patients with hypertension will need to record annually an up-to-date blood pressure result with the surgery.
Enquire at your GP surgery to find out if they offer this service.
For information on at home blood pressure monitors and instructions on how to use them please take a look at the following links:
Or please take a look at this leaflet below from the British Heart Foundation which has a great article about taking your blood pressure at home.
British Heart Foundation Leaflet
Workplace BP Checks
Some workplaces also offer blood pressure checks. Check with your employer.
Useful Websites