High blood pressure, also called hypertension, means that blood pressure remains higher than recommended over time. It usually causes no symptoms, but it can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease and some eye problems.
Checking Blood Pressure
A blood pressure reading has two numbers. The first is the pressure when the heart contracts, and the second is the pressure when the heart relaxes. Diagnosis should be based on properly taken readings, often repeated at home or with a monitor worn for 24 hours. Target levels can differ according to age, health conditions and local clinical guidance.
Symptoms and Urgent Help
Most people with high blood pressure feel well. Headaches, blurred vision or chest discomfort can occur, but these symptoms have many possible causes and should not be used to diagnose hypertension.
Seek emergency medical help for chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, fainting, sudden weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion, sudden loss of vision or a severe unusual headache. These may be signs of a heart attack, stroke or another emergency.
Risk Factors
Risk increases with age and family history. Other factors include excess salt, smoking, limited physical activity, excess weight, drinking too much alcohol, poor sleep and long term stress. Diabetes, kidney disease, sleep apnoea and some medicines can also affect blood pressure.
Treatment
Treatment may include reducing salt, eating a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol and reaching a healthy weight. Many people also need medicine. The choice depends on blood pressure readings, age, other conditions and overall cardiovascular risk.
Take prescribed medicine as directed. Do not stop or change it because of a single reading or because you feel well. Contact a healthcare professional if you have side effects or concerns.
Monitoring
Regular checks help show whether treatment is working. When measuring at home, sit quietly, support the arm, use a validated upper arm monitor and follow the device instructions. Keep a record to discuss with a healthcare professional.
Sources
Reviewed 28 August 2026.