Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is very common. It affects one person in seven. Like high cholesterol, smoking, being overweight and lack of exercise, it increases the risk of coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke and kidney disease. Your blood pressure varies at different times of the day, and is higher when you wake in the morning.

When you have your blood pressure measured, two readings are taken. The higher reading (the systolic reading) is when the heart contracts (beats), pushing blood around your circulation. The lower reading (the diastolic reading) is when the heart relaxes between beats. The normal values for blood pressure are no more than 130/80 – where 130 is the systolic reading and 80 is the diastolic reading.

Below is a picture of a blood pressure monitor. This is one method how blood pressure is measured. The top recording is the systolic reading and the bottom the diastolic reading.

High blood pressure often has no physical symptoms, although some sufferers have headaches and disturbed vision.

Blood pressure readings may need to be taken over several days or weeks before doctors can decide if there is a pattern to your high blood pressure. This will help them to prescribe the appropriate treatment. Other investigations, such as a 24-hour monitor, echocardiogram, electrocardiogram and urine tests will help identify the cause of high blood pressure and see what effect it is having on your heart and kidneys.

You may be prescribed medication to control your blood pressure. Your medication benefits your heart by helping it to work more efficiently. It may also reduce the risk of angina attacks. In the long term, people whose high blood pressure is under control are generally less at risk of heart attacks, strokes and heart failure, and they tend to live longer than those whose high blood pressure is not well controlled.

The type and dose of medication you take may change over time as your condition changes. If you suffer any side effects, tell your GP or hospital consultant. If you are diabetic and also have coronary heart disease, your blood pressure should be kept below 125/70.

If you have high blood pressure you should have it checked at least once a month, every three to six months when your blood pressure is under control, and then a check once a year may be all that is needed. If you have symptoms such as dizziness (especially when standing up from a sitting position), or you have regular headaches or disturbed vision (or both), ask your GP or practice nurse to check your blood pressure as you may need to have your medication adjusted.