High blood pressure

Need to know

• Symptoms of high blood pressure icon plus

  High blood pressure does not generally cause any symptoms. However, if it is very high, you may experience the following:

  • headaches
  • blurred or double vision
  • nosebleeds
  • shortness of breath

• Diagnosing high blood pressure icon plus

  You will be asked to sit down on a chair with a back support and have your legs uncrossed prior to your blood pressure being taken.

  Your consultant will usually use an automatic device with a sensor to measure your blood pressure. If they decide to take your blood pressure using a pump and dial you will need to roll up your sleeve or remove any long-sleeved clothing so they can access your upper arm.

  If you are found to have high blood pressure (hypertension) your consultant will try to determine the underlying causes. They will undertake a comprehensive assessment of your future risk of developing cardiovascular disease such as stroke, heart attack or kidney failure.

• Potential treatment options  of high blood pressure icon plus

  • Making healthy lifestyle changes such as lowering your salt intake, eating a balanced diet, being active, reducing your alcohol intake, losing weight if you're overweight, drinking less caffeine, not smoking and getting plenty of sleep every night.
  • Taking medication to lower your blood pressure. This may include ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers, diuretics or beta-blockers.