World Hypertension Day

Observed annually on May 17th, World Hypertension Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about high blood pressure, educate the public on its risks, and encourage regular monitoring along with guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

High blood pressure (also called hypertension) is very common, especially in older adults. Whilst there are usually no symptoms meaning you may not realise you have it, in rare cases it can cause headaches, blurred or double vision, nosebleeds or shortness of breath. You may be more at risk from high blood pressure if you:

• eat a high-fat diet

• eat a high-salt diet

• don’t regularly exercise

• are overweight

• smoke or drink too much alcohol

• are feeling stressed over longer periods of time

• take some recreational drugs

• are older – the risk of developing high blood pressure increases as you get older

• have a family history of high blood pressure

• are of Afro-Caribbean or South Asian origin

High blood pressure can lead to serious problems like heart attacks or strokes if left untreated. But lifestyle changes and blood pressure medicines can help you stay healthy. Lowering your blood pressure even a small amount can help reduce your risk of health issues. By having a healthy, balanced diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight you can help to lower your blood pressure.

You can get your blood pressure checked at your local pharmacy for people aged 40 or over, or you can visit your GP surgery where a Healthcare professional will take your reading for you. Alternatively a home blood pressure monitor can be used to measure your blood pressure levels over time in the comfort of your own home.

What do your blood pressure readings mean?

Blood pressure readings are given as 2 numbers, with the 1st number higher than the 2nd.

If you're under 80 years of age, you're usually considered to have high blood pressure if your reading is either:

140/90 or higher when checked by a healthcare professional

135/85 or higher when checked at home

If you're aged 80 or over, you're usually considered to have high blood pressure if your reading is either:

150/90 or higher when checked by a healthcare professional

145/85 or higher when checked at home