High blood pressure

Having high blood pressure can put extra strain on your blood vessels, heart, brain, kidneys and eyes

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What is High blood pressure(Hypertension)?

Your blood pressure is recorded with two numbers, systolic pressure and diastolic pressure.

  • Systolic pressure – the force at which your heart pumps blood around your body
  • Diastolic pressure – the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels

High blood pressure is a reading of 140/90mmHg or higher.

Blood pressure readings between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg are considered ideal although everyone’s ‘ideal’ blood pressure result will be slightly different.

Measuring blood pressure can be hard to do properly. Many patients have artificially high pressure if measured inaccurately.

What causes High blood pressure?

Whilst the causes of high blood pressure are not always clear, there are certain things that can increase your risk including if you:

  • Are over 65 years old
  • Are overweight
  • Have a relative with high blood pressure
  • Each too much salt
  • Do not exercise enough
  • Drink too much alcohol or caffeine
  • Smoke
  • Do not get enough sleep
  • Have obstructive sleep apnoea

You can read more about the causes and symptoms of high blood pressure.

Risks of High blood pressure?

Having high blood pressure puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and the brain, kidneys and eyes.

If high blood pressure persists, it can increase your risk of a number of serious and life-threatening health conditions including:

Testing for High blood pressure

To investigate the causes of your high blood pressure, we can carry out the following tests:

Treatment of High blood pressure?

Blood pressure needs treatment if it is too high, to reduce the risk of stroke or heart failure.

  • Lifestyle changes – lose weight, reduce salt, increase fresh vegetables and fruit, reduce fat.
  • Treating possible causes – for example Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
  • Medication – many drugs are available, and will be tailored to your condition
  • Renal Denervation – not yet a cure, but will be considered in resistant Hypertension

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High blood pressure Specialists

Our Heart Health specialists at OneWelbeck in London are leaders in their field. They are equipped with the latest diagnostic medical technology at custom-built, day-case facilities to investigate any symptoms and ensure you receive the best available care.