High blood pressure (hypertension) is usually an asymptomatic condition (meaning that it does not cause any symptoms), unless it is severe or longstanding. High pressure in a person’s arteries means the heart has to work harder to keep the blood circulation going.   Blood pressure varies naturally over a person’s life and with the time of day – it tends to be highest in the morning and lowest at night during sleep.

Blood pressure tends to increase naturally as we get older so the risk of high blood pressure increases with age. High blood pressure also runs in families.  Factors such as gender, smoking, high salt intake, inadequate physical activity and obesity will increase the risk of developing the condition.  Diabetics need to be aware that they may be particularly at risk of developing high blood pressure.

Most people with high blood pressure do not realise that they have it, as it usually does not cause any symptoms.  It has been called the ‘silent killer’ because symptoms usually do not manifest for many years.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the risk of health problems such as stroke, aneurysm, heart failure, heart attack and kidney damage.  If a person’s high blood pressure is severe or long-standing and untreated, symptoms such as headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, restlessness and blurred vision may occur as a result of damage to vital organs.

Blood pressure is measured after you have been sitting or lying down for a few minutes.  A reading above 140/90 mmHg is considered high but diagnosis cannot be made on a single reading.  It must be confirmed by at least two further measurements – preferably taken on different days.  These will help confirm the presence of high blood pressure and also help classify its severity.

High blood pressure can be treated to reduce the blood pressure to a normal level.  In addition to lifestyle changes, there are a wide variety of medical treatments available and treatment should be tailored to the individual.  Most people tolerate their anti-hypertensive medications without problems.  However, if side effects occur, it is important to discuss these with your doctor who can look at changing the dose or changing to an alternative therapy.

Making some basic lifestyle changes can help in managing high blood pressure.

These include:

• Giving up smoking
• Losing any excess weight
• Taking regular physical exercise
• Keeping alcohol intake to within recommended limits
• Eating more fruit and vegetables
• Reducing salt intake

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