Overview
High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs when the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high, typically above 140/90 mmHg. Known as the silent killer, it usually causes no symptoms yet significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. Regular blood pressure checks are essential as early detection allows effective treatment and prevention of life-threatening complications.
Causes and risk factors
The following factors are associated with the development of High Blood Pressure:
- Unknown cause in most cases (essential hypertension)
- Kidney disease
- Hormonal disorders
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Obesity
- High salt intake (over 6g daily)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Physical inactivity
- Chronic stress
- Certain medications: NSAIDs, decongestants
- Family history
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of High Blood Pressure include:
- Usually no symptoms at all
- Severe headaches in very high readings
- Nosebleeds
- Shortness of breath
- Visual changes
- Chest pain
- Blood in urine
- Dizziness in hypertensive crisis
Diagnosis
High Blood Pressure is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and appropriate investigations such as blood tests, imaging, or specialist review, depending on the specific condition and presentation. Your doctor will consider all relevant symptoms and risk factors before making a diagnosis.
Treatment options
Treatment approaches for High Blood Pressure may include:
- Reduce salt intake to under 6g daily
- DASH diet — rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy
- Regular aerobic exercise
- ACE inhibitors (ramipril, lisinopril)
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (losartan)
- Calcium channel blockers (amlodipine)
- Thiazide diuretics
- Home blood pressure monitoring
- Weight loss if overweight
Prevention
Eat less salt, follow DASH diet, exercise regularly, maintain healthy weight, limit alcohol, do not smoke, manage stress, have regular checks.
Complications
If left untreated or poorly managed, High Blood Pressure can lead to complications including:
Heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, peripheral artery disease, aortic aneurysm, and vascular dementia.
Sources and references: This article is written in accordance with NHS UK, WHO, and Mayo Clinic clinical guidelines. It is reviewed for accuracy by the SymptomSense content team. ICD-10 code: I10. Last reviewed June 2026.