High Blood Pressure - a Summary

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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.

© EMIS and PIP 2005   Updated: July 2006   PRODIGY Validated

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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