High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a treatable condition and by lifestyle changes can be effectively controlled. Find out more about the risk factors, symptoms and the importance of regular check-ups for high blood pressure.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common condition where the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is consistently too high.

Normally, blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, but when it consistently stays elevated over a long period, it can damage your arteries and organs.

There are two main numbers in a blood pressure reading:

• Systolic pressure: This is the top number and represents the pressure when your heart beats.
• Diastolic pressure: This is the bottom number and represents the pressure when your heart relaxes between beats.

Normal Blood Pressure vs. High Blood Pressure

Normal blood pressure is generally considered to be below 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). Here’s a breakdown of blood pressure categories according to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE):

• Normal: Less than 135/85 mmHg
• Stage 1 Hypertension: Home average Systolic above 135 mmHg or diastolic above 85 mmHg
• Stage 2 Hypertension: Home average Systolic 150 mmHg or higher or diastolic 95 mmHg or higher
• Stage 3 or Hypertensive Crisis: Systolic blood pressure exceeding 180 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure exceeding 120 mmHg. This is a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, including:

• Family history: Having a close relative with high blood pressure increases your risk.
• Age: The risk of high blood pressure increases with age.
• Race/ethnicity: Certain ethnicities have a higher risk of high blood pressure.
• Being overweight or obese: Excess weight puts extra strain on your heart.
• Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle increases your risk.
• Unhealthy diet: A diet high in sodium (salt), saturated and unhealthy fats, and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can contribute to high blood pressure.
• Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol use can raise blood pressure.
• Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure.
• Certain medical conditions: Kidney disease, sleep apnoea, and certain medications can also increase blood pressure.

Signs and Symptoms

Often, there are no noticeable symptoms with high blood pressure, earning it the nickname “silent killer.” This is why regular blood pressure checks are crucial for early detection. However, in some cases, high blood pressure can cause symptoms such as:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)

Diagnosis

Your doctor will diagnose high blood pressure based on several blood pressure readings taken during office visits. They may also recommend home blood pressure monitoring to get a more complete picture of your blood pressure throughout the day.

Living with High Blood Pressure

There is no cure for high blood pressure, but the good news is that it can be effectively controlled through lifestyle changes and sometimes medication. Here are some key strategies for managing high blood pressure:

• Healthy Eating: A heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, is crucial. This diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products, while limiting salt, saturated and unhealthy fats, and added sugars.
• Regular Physical Activity: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Exercise helps lower blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health.
• Weight Management: Losing weight if you’re overweight can significantly reduce your blood pressure.
• Sodium Restriction: Limiting sodium intake is a cornerstone of managing high blood pressure. Most of the sodium we consume comes from processed foods, so focus on fresh, whole foods and read food labels carefully.
• Smoking Cessation: Smoking significantly harms blood vessels and increases blood pressure. Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do for your cardiovascular health.
• Alcohol Moderation: Limiting alcohol consumption can help lower blood pressure.
• Stress Management: Chronic stress can raise blood pressure. Techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help manage stress.
• Medication: Your doctor may prescribe medications to lower your blood pressure if lifestyle changes alone are not enough.

Regular Check-Ups

Regular visits with your doctor are crucial for monitoring your blood pressure, managing medications, and identifying and addressing potential complications early on. These check-ups may include:

• Blood pressure monitoring to assess your response to treatment.
• Blood tests to check cholesterol levels, kidney function, and other health markers.
• Urine tests to evaluate kidney health.

Remember: High blood pressure is a treatable condition. By taking charge of your health and working with your healthcare team, you can control your blood pressure and live a long, healthy life.ortive care at home, you can help alleviate symptoms, prevent the spread of infection, and promote your child’s recovery.

Arranging To Visit A Private GP

If you suspect you may have high blood pressure make an appointment with one of our private GPs. Appointments are available to everyone and can often be booked for the same day. There is no need to be registered with our Buckinghamshire hospital, or live locally.

If you have insurance which covers a GP visit, we can in most cases invoice the insurer directly. Where you are paying directly, the cost for a 30 minute consultation is £125.

Any additional costs will always be discussed. They could apply if you are referred for an MRI scan, or to a consultant, or for other agreed decisions to support your health.

Our Resident Private GP

Dr Chamali is welcoming and highly experienced. He offers his patients sound diagnosis and treatment, along with individual care focused on their future health.

Dr Basel Chamali

General Practitioner

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