What it is
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. It is written as two numbers. It goes up and down through the day, so a single high reading is not the same as having high blood pressure — which is why we usually measure more than once, and often ask you to take readings at home.
Why it matters
Left high over years it puts strain on the heart, the arteries, the kidneys and the eyes. That happens quietly, which is the reason it is worth checking even when you feel completely well.
What a review involves
A reading, a look at the trend rather than one number, blood and urine tests, and a conversation about the things that move it — sleep, alcohol, salt, weight, stress and, where it helps, medication.
Speak to someone if
- You have a reading of 180/120 or higher
- You have a severe headache with vision changes
- You are pregnant and your blood pressure is rising
General information only. It is not medical advice, it cannot account for your history, and it does not replace being seen by someone who can examine you. If you are worried, that is reason enough to ring us.