High blood pressure (hypertension) is a symptom-less condition in which abnormally high pressure in a person's arteries means the heart has to work harder to keep the blood circulation going. Blood pressure varies naturally over a person's life and with the time of day — it is highest in the morning and lowest at night during sleep.

Blood pressure tends to increase naturally as we get older so the risk of high blood pressure increases with age. Factors such as gender, smoking, high salt intake, inadequate physical activity and obesity will also increase the risk of developing the condition. Doctors consider that high blood pressure tends to run in families. Diabetics need to be aware that they may be particularly at risk of developing high blood pressure.

In most people, high blood pressure causes no symptoms.  It has been called the ‘silent killer’ because it doesn’t usually cause any symptoms for many years. The only way to know if yours is at a healthy level is to have it measured regularly.¹

Blood pressure is measured after you have been sitting or lying down for a few minutes. Expert Guidelines indicate that almost all people should aim to have their upper (“systolic”) blood pressure figure less than 140 and lower (“Diastolic”) figure less than 90.¹

High blood pressure can be treated to reduce the blood pressure to a normal level. In addition to lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and taking exercise, there are a wide variety of medical treatments available and treatment should be tailored to the individual.

There are six main groups of blood pressure-lowering drugs: diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, alpha blockers, and angiotensin receptor antagonists (AIIA’s).¹ They work in different ways and not all are suitable for people with certain medical conditions.¹ Side effects can vary – what suits one person may not suit another. If you need to take one or more blood pressure medication, your doctor will advise you on which approach is most suitable for you. ¹

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