blood pressure complications awareness

Overview

Blood pressure complications are serious health problems that can happen when high blood pressure (hypertension) is not well controlled. High blood pressure means the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is too high over time. This can damage your arteries and organs, leading to conditions like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

Yes, high blood pressure is very common. About 1 in 3 adults worldwide have it, and many do not have it under control.

High blood pressure can affect people of all ages, but it becomes more common as you get older. It is also more likely if you have a family history, are overweight, or belong to certain ethnic groups (for example, people of African or Caribbean descent are at higher risk).

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms at all, which is why it is known as a 'silent killer'.
• Some people may experience headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath, but these symptoms usually only happen when blood pressure is very high.

Symptoms in children

• Children with high blood pressure often have no symptoms. It may be discovered during a routine check-up.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have no symptoms, or they might notice dizziness, fatigue, or headaches. They are more likely to have isolated systolic hypertension (where the top number is high but the bottom number is normal).

Causes

Main causes

• For most people, the exact cause of high blood pressure is not known. This is called primary (essential) hypertension.
• In some people, high blood pressure is caused by an underlying condition, such as kidney disease, adrenal gland tumors, or thyroid problems. This is called secondary hypertension.
• Certain medicines, such as some pain relievers, cold remedies, and birth control pills, can raise blood pressure.
• Lifestyle factors like a high-salt diet, lack of physical activity, being overweight, smoking, and drinking too much alcohol can contribute to high blood pressure.

Risk factors

• Age: risk increases as you get older.
• Family history: if a close relative has high blood pressure, you are more likely to develop it.
• Being overweight or obese.
• Not being physically active.
• A diet high in salt and low in fruits and vegetables.
• Drinking too much alcohol (more than 14 units a week is considered risky).
• Smoking or using tobacco.
• Long-term stress.
• Having certain conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have a blood pressure reading of 180/120 mmHg or higher, with or without symptoms, see a doctor right away or call your local emergency number.
• If you experience any of the emergency symptoms listed above (chest pain, severe headache, etc.), call emergency services immediately.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you are age 40 or older, you should have your blood pressure checked at least every 5 years as part of a routine health check.
• If you have risk factors (like diabetes, family history, or are overweight), ask your doctor if you should be checked more often.
• If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you will need regular check-ups to monitor your levels and adjust treatment.

Diagnosis

Blood pressure is measured using a cuff placed around your arm. A diagnosis of high blood pressure is usually made after two or more readings taken on different days show high levels.

Tests that may be done

• Blood pressure measurement (using a sphygmomanometer)
• Urine test to check for kidney problems
• Blood test to check kidney function, blood sugar, and cholesterol
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check heart rhythm and detect any damage
• If needed, further tests like an echocardiogram or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (wearing a portable device for 24 hours)

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will discuss your readings, ask about your lifestyle and family history, and explain what your numbers mean. You may be asked to monitor your blood pressure at home. Treatment usually starts with lifestyle changes, and if needed, medications will be offered.

Treatment

Treatment for high blood pressure aims to lower your blood pressure to a safe level and reduce the risk of complications. It often involves a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and, if needed, medications.

Self-care at home

• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy, and low in salt.
• Get regular physical activity – aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
• Maintain a healthy weight or lose weight if needed.
• Limit alcohol intake to no more than 14 units per week.
• Quit smoking.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or hobbies.

Medical treatments

If lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor may prescribe one or more types of blood pressure-lowering medicines. These include medicines that help your kidneys remove excess fluid, relax blood vessels, or slow your heart rate. You may need to take them long-term. Your doctor will work with you to find the best treatment plan and adjust doses as needed.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for high blood pressure itself. In some cases of secondary hypertension (caused by a tumor or narrowed artery), surgery to correct the underlying problem may help. For example, surgery to remove an adrenal gland tumor or to unblock a narrowed kidney artery.

Living with this condition

Living with high blood pressure means taking an active role in your health. You will need to check your blood pressure regularly, take any prescribed medicines as directed, and follow a healthy lifestyle. It’s important to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns with your healthcare team.

Lifestyle tips

• Follow a heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension).
• Limit your salt intake to less than 6 grams (about one teaspoon) per day.
• Exercise most days of the week.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
• Manage stress through yoga, meditation, or talking to a friend.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet and regular exercise are key. Focus on eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. Avoid processed foods high in salt. Exercise like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, can help lower your blood pressure.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a chronic condition like high blood pressure can sometimes cause worry or stress. It is normal to feel anxious about your health. Talking to your doctor, a counselor, or joining a support group can help. Remember that managing blood pressure can improve your overall well-being.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet low in salt, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, not smoking, and managing stress. Even if you have a family history, these steps can help.

Vaccines

There are no vaccines to prevent high blood pressure. However, staying up to date with recommended vaccines (such as flu and pneumococcal) is important because infections can sometimes increase blood pressure or stress the heart.

Screening programmes

Regular blood pressure screening is the best way to catch high blood pressure early. Adults over 40 should have it checked at least every 5 years. If you have risk factors, your doctor may recommend more frequent checks.

Complications

If left untreated

• Heart attack or heart failure – the heart has to work harder and can become enlarged or weakened.
• Stroke – high pressure can cause a blood vessel in the brain to burst or clog.
• Kidney disease or kidney failure – damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys.
• Vision loss – damage to the blood vessels in the eyes.
• Aneurysm – a bulge in a blood vessel that can burst and cause life-threatening bleeding.
• Peripheral artery disease – narrowed arteries in the legs or arms.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for people with high blood pressure is very good if it is diagnosed and managed properly. With lifestyle changes and/or medications, most people can lower their blood pressure to safe levels and reduce their risk of serious complications. It is a lifelong condition for most, but it can be controlled. Don't be discouraged – small steps make a big difference, and your healthcare team is there to help.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Cardiovascular Diseases
• International Society of Hypertension

Local organisations

• NHS – Blood Pressure · United Kingdom

Helplines

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