High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can be caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, being overweight, smoking, or excessive alcohol intake. Stress and certain medical conditions like kidney disease can also contribute. Sometimes there’s no clear cause – this is known as primary hypertension.

Most people with high blood pressure don’t experience noticeable symptoms, which is why it’s often called a “silent condition.” Some may experience headaches, dizziness, or nosebleeds, but these are usually signs of very high readings. Regular blood pressure checks are the best way to monitor your health.

If high blood pressure isn’t managed, it can damage your arteries, heart, brain, and kidneys over time. This increases your risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, or heart failure. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce these risks.

Treatment usually involves lifestyle changes and prescription medication. Common medicines include calcium channel blockers like Amlodipine, ACE inhibitors such as Ramipril or Lisinopril, and beta-blockers like Bisoprolol or Atenolol. Your doctor will choose the most suitable option based on your medical history and blood pressure levels.

Blood pressure medications work by relaxing blood vessels, reducing heart rate, or helping your body remove excess salt and water. This lowers the pressure on your artery walls, allowing blood to flow more easily. Different medications, such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers, work in slightly different ways.

You may notice some improvement within a few days to weeks of starting treatment, but the full effects can take several weeks. It’s important to take your medication regularly as prescribed, even if you feel well. Stopping treatment suddenly can cause your blood pressure to rise again.

High blood pressure rarely goes away without treatment, but it can often be managed effectively with lifestyle changes and medication. Eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing salt intake, and staying active all make a big difference. Some people can lower their readings enough to reduce medication over time, under medical supervision.

Most adults with consistently high blood pressure are suitable for treatment, though the specific medication depends on age, health conditions, and other medicines you take. Your doctor or pharmacist will review your medical history to find a safe and effective option. Some treatments may not be suitable for people with kidney problems or during pregnancy.

Blood pressure medications such as Amlodipine, Candesartan, and Ramipril are widely used and generally safe when taken as directed. Mild side effects can occur, such as dizziness, tiredness, or a persistent cough with some ACE inhibitors. If you experience any bothersome symptoms, your prescriber may adjust your treatment.

You can usually drink alcohol in moderation while taking blood pressure medication, but excessive drinking can increase your blood pressure and reduce treatment effectiveness. Alcohol may also enhance side effects such as dizziness or tiredness. Always follow NHS guidance and try to limit intake to the recommended weekly units.

A healthy lifestyle plays a vital role in managing high blood pressure. Eating less salt, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help. Reducing stress and limiting alcohol and caffeine are also beneficial alongside prescribed medication.

High blood pressure can start causing damage silently over several years without any clear symptoms. The longer it’s left uncontrolled, the greater the risk to your heart, brain, and kidneys. That’s why regular monitoring and early treatment are so important to prevent long-term complications.

A blood pressure reading of 180/120 mmHg or higher is considered dangerously high and may require immediate medical attention. You should seek emergency care if this is accompanied by chest pain, severe headache, shortness of breath, or blurred vision. This condition is known as a hypertensive crisis and can be life-threatening if untreated.

You should be concerned if your readings remain consistently above 140/90 mmHg, even after lifestyle changes. Any symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, or sudden vision changes warrant medical attention. It’s best to check your blood pressure regularly and discuss any unusual readings with a healthcare professional.