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 damage some arteries and put a strain on your heart.
So, high blood pressure increases your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and kidney damage sometime in the future. The higher the blood pressure, the greater the health risk. Most cases are 'mild to moderate' (140/90 to 160/100). In some cases the blood pressure is more severe (160/100 or above).
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.

• High Blood Pressure - Medication In most cases, the aim is to lower blood pressure to below 140/90 mmHg. (Some experts say it should be to below 140/85 mmHg.) If you have diabetes the aim is to have a blood pressure below 140/80...
• High Blood Pressure - Pregnancy If you are pregnant you should have regular blood pressure checks. High blood pressure (hypertension) commonly develops during pregnancy. It is often mild which is not usually serious. In some...
• High Blood Pressure - a summary If you have high blood pressure , you have an increased risk of developing heart disease, a stroke, and other serious conditions. In some cases blood pressure can be reduced by: losing weight,...