Hypertension (high blood pressure)

If your blood pressure is consistently higher than it should be it is called high blood pressure (or hypertension). High blood pressure is not a disease in itself. However, it can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and strokes. Over the years high blood pressure slowly damages the blood vessels by making them narrower and more rigid. This means your heart has to work harder to push the blood through your blood vessels and the overall blood pressure rises.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, rarely has noticeable symptoms. But if untreated, it increases your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes. The only way to find out if your blood pressure is high is to have your blood pressure checked.

Our vision is for everyone to know their blood pressure numbers in the same way they know their height or weight and take steps to keep them healthy, both now and in the future. Your diet, exercise levels and weight have a real effect on your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, you can start lowering blood pressure today by eating more healthily and being more active.