Medically reviewed by Dr Nabila Laskar, Consultant Cardiologist (GMC 7040901). High blood pressure affects an estimated one in three adults in the UK and is one of the most significant — and most preventable — risk factors for heart attack, stroke and heart failure. It very rarely causes symptoms, which is why it's often called a "silent" condition.
Blood pressure is measured as two numbers: systolic (pressure when the heart beats) over diastolic (pressure between beats). Generally, a reading consistently above 140/90 mmHg is considered high, though target ranges vary based on individual risk factors and existing health conditions.
Most cases (primary hypertension) develop gradually due to a combination of age, weight, diet (particularly salt intake), alcohol, stress, and genetics. A smaller proportion (secondary hypertension) results from an identifiable underlying cause such as kidney disease or hormonal conditions, which is why thorough assessment matters.
Persistently high blood pressure damages blood vessel walls over years, significantly increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney damage. Because it's typically symptomless, many people are unaware they have it until a complication occurs.
Diagnosis is confirmed through 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, which gives a far more accurate picture than a single clinic reading. Management may include lifestyle changes (salt reduction, weight management, exercise, alcohol moderation) — see our practical guide at /blog/managing-high-blood-pressure — and, where needed, medication tailored to the individual.
In many cases, lifestyle changes — particularly weight loss, reduced salt intake, and regular exercise — can meaningfully lower blood pressure, sometimes avoiding or reducing the need for medication. This depends on the individual and severity.
A single clinic reading can be misleadingly high due to anxiety ("white coat hypertension") or misleadingly normal. 24-hour monitoring captures your blood pressure across a full day, giving a far more reliable diagnosis.
This varies by individual risk profile, but treatment is typically considered once confirmed readings consistently exceed 140/90 mmHg, or lower thresholds if other risk factors are present.
Yes, hypertension is one of the leading modifiable risk factors for heart attack and stroke, making early detection and management genuinely important.