Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Blood pressure that stays too high over time. It rarely causes symptoms but raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.

Chronic conditionHeartLast updated: 21 October 2026

Quick Summary

Primary Symptoms

Usually none, which is why it's called a silent condition. Very high readings can sometimes cause headaches or blurred vision.

Common Treatments

Less salt, a healthy weight, regular activity and limiting alcohol, plus medicines such as amlodipine or lisinopril.

Risk Factors

Age, family history, too much salt, being overweight, low activity, smoking, heavy drinking and diabetes or kidney disease.

OverviewSymptomsCausesTreatmentFAQ

Overview

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It's recorded as two numbers: the pressure when the heart beats and when it rests between beats.

Hypertension means this pressure is high most of the time. It strains the heart and blood vessels and, over years, can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney damage and eye problems.

Most people feel completely well, so the only way to know is to have your blood pressure checked. Adults should have it checked regularly, even if they feel healthy.

Symptoms

Often no symptoms

Most people with high blood pressure feel normal. Regular checks are the only reliable way to find it.

Headache

Very high blood pressure can sometimes cause headaches, though headaches are usually caused by other things.

Blurred vision

Very high readings can affect vision and need urgent medical attention.

Chest pain or breathlessness

These can be signs of complications and need urgent medical help.

Causes & Risk Factors

Biological Causes

In most people there's no single cause (primary hypertension). It builds up over years as arteries become stiffer and the body's control of salt and fluid changes. Sometimes another condition, such as kidney disease or a hormone problem, causes it (secondary hypertension).

Key Risk Factors

  • Salt Eating a lot of salt, including in pickles, papad, snacks and processed food, raises blood pressure.
  • Weight and activity Being overweight and inactive make high blood pressure more likely.
  • Age and family history Risk rises with age and if close relatives have it.
  • Alcohol and smoking Heavy drinking raises blood pressure, and smoking damages blood vessels.
  • Other conditions Diabetes, kidney disease and sleep apnoea are linked with high blood pressure.

Management & Treatment

01. Lifestyle changes

Cutting down on salt, eating more fruit and vegetables, staying active, keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and stopping smoking.

02. Medicines

Common types include calcium channel blockers (such as amlodipine), ACE inhibitors (such as lisinopril), diuretics and others. Many people need two or more.

03. Home monitoring

Checking your blood pressure at home and keeping a record helps you and your doctor see how well treatment is working.

04. Regular reviews

Your doctor will check your blood pressure, kidneys and cholesterol and adjust treatment over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stop my medicine once my blood pressure is normal?
No, not without talking to your doctor. Normal readings usually mean the medicine is working.
Does stress cause high blood pressure?
Stress can raise blood pressure for a short time. Long-term high blood pressure is mostly linked to the risk factors above.
How often should I get it checked?
Adults should have it checked at least once a year, or more often if it's been high before or you have other conditions.

Sources and further reading

Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.