About high blood pressure

Blood pressure is the force applied to your arteries (the major blood vessels that carry blood to our essential organs) as blood is circulated around the body by the heart. It is measured by your GP using a blood pressure cuff.

Your blood pressure is reported as two numbers.

  • The first represents the pressure of blood as the heart contracts to pump the blood. This is the systolic pressure.
  • The second is a measure of the blood pressure when the heart rests between beats. This is called diastolic pressure.
  • A normal blood pressure reading is around 120/80 mmHg.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is diagnosed when your blood pressure is consistently above 140/90 mmHg. It is a serious condition that is a major cause of heart attack and stroke worldwide. By 2025, it is estimated that 1.56 billion people globally will be diagnosed with high blood pressure.

Things that increase a person’s risk of high blood pressure include a lack of exercise, being overweight or obese, an unhealthy diet that is high in salt, high alcohol consumption, and smoking.

Many of these are also risk factors for dementia. Other factors that can cause high blood pressure include some medical conditions and medicines, or genetics.

How to manage your blood pressure

It is important to first get an accurate idea of what your blood pressure is. In England, it is estimated that 30% of the population has high blood pressure. But due to the lack of symptoms, it may go undiagnosed until someone starts to have problems (such as a heart attack or angina).

You can find out your blood pressure by visiting your GP or a blood pressure booth in your local pharmacy. The NHS recommends that it should be checked every five years.

There are things you can do to lower your blood pressure if it is too high. Lifestyle changes that can help include:

  • losing weight
  • exercising regularly
  • maintaining a healthy low-salt diet
  • reducing caffeine consumption
  • reducing alcohol consumption
  • quitting smoking

High blood pressure can also be controlled through the use of blood pressure medication, which is prescribed by your doctor. These blood pressure-lowering drugs have been shown to be safe and effective. However, it is important to note that they have not been proven or recommended to directly prevent vascular dementia.

If you have high blood pressure, it is important to talk to your doctor before attempting major lifestyle changes or trying a new medication. They can provide you with personalised recommendations and monitor your progress.

A lifelong approach to health is important. High blood pressure can start without showing any symptoms, so it is important to be proactive and find out what your blood pressure is.