High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure is one of the most common yet silent causes of heart problems in the UK. Around 50% of young adults in England remain undiagnosed until complications arise.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

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What is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?

High BP, or Hypertension, occurs when your blood pressure in your arteries remains consistently high, stressing your heart, kidneys, and blood vessels. Early diagnosis is key to optimum cardiovascular health; however, if left untreated, it can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or even cardiac failure. 

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

High BP, or Hypertension, develops when the force of blood against your arterial walls remains high, placing strain on vital organs, leading to long-term health risks. Other causes include:

  • High Salt Intake
  • Obesity
  • Chronic Stress
  • Excessive Alcohol Consumption
  • Lack of Physical Activity
  • Family History of Hypertension
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Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure often develops silently, without apparent symptoms. However, when BP becomes significantly high, some people may experience warning signs, such as frequent headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, nosebleeds, and irregular heartbeat. Due to unclear symptoms, regular BP monitoring is essential for early detection and timely treatment.

Types of Hypertension

Primary Hypertension

Also known as ‘Essential Hypertension’, it is the most common type of high BP, caused by lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and stress.

Secondary Hypertension

An underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease or hormonal disorders, or certain medicines that cause narrowing of the arteries, may lead to secondary hypertension.

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Diagnostic Approach for High BP at The National Heart Clinic

We don’t rely on a single blood pressure reading to make a diagnosis. During your consultation, our cardiologists take multiple BP readings to rule out ‘white coat’ effects, caused by anxiety. For accuracy, we may recommend 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), an electrocardiogram (ECG), or blood tests for cholesterol or kidney function.

How Our Specialists Help You Manage Hypertension?

We focus on helping you understand and manage your blood pressure through early detection and ongoing monitoring. Our specialists assess your cardiovascular health, identify possible risk factors, and recommend practical lifestyle adjustments to support long-term cardiac health.

  • Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Echocardiogram (TTE)
  • Exercise Tolerance Testing
  • Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET)

See a High Blood Pressure Specialist Today

If your BP constantly remains high, even after making lifestyle adjustments, it’s high time to consult a hypertension specialist at the earliest. Moreover, seek expert evaluation if you’re experiencing dizziness, extreme tiredness, or chest pain, or if you have risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.

Faqs

High blood pressure itself isn’t considered a disability, but severe or uncontrolled hypertension causing long-term complications can be classified as a disability.

Obesity, a family history of hypertension, high salt intake, stress, inactive lifestyle, or smoking increase the risk of developing high blood pressure.

Infections can temporarily raise blood pressure due to inflammation, stress on the body, or certain medications used during treatment.

You should monitor your blood pressure regularly to maintain a proper record. Especially if you have a family history of high blood pressure, it’s essential to check your BP at home and have routine checkups with a cardiologist.

Although rare, extremely high blood pressure can cause seizures by leading to brain swelling or hypertensive encephalopathy.

Rest in a calm position,  drink water, take prescribed medication, and seek urgent medical help if your blood pressure remains high.

Yes, you can drive with high blood pressure, but we recommend avoiding it if you have symptoms like dizziness or blurred vision.

Book an Appointment Online

Schedule a consultation online with the best Harley Street Cardiologists and get access to expert opinion, efficient diagnostics, and a personalised approach to your heart care.

What Our Patients Say?

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