High blood pressure
Overview
High blood pressure (also called hypertension) can lead to serious problems like heart attacks or strokes. But lifestyle changes and blood pressure medicines can help you stay healthy.
Symptoms
High blood pressure does not usually cause any symptoms. Many people have it without realising it. Rarely, high blood pressure can cause symptoms such as: headachesblurred visionchest pain But the only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to get your blood pressure checked.
Treatment
A GP will usually prescribe medicine for high blood pressure if: your blood pressure is very highyou're at higher risk of problems linked to high blood pressure, such as a heart attack or strokeyour blood pressure is still high after making healthy lifestyle changes There are lots of different medicines for high blood pressure. The medicine recommended for you depends on things like how high your blood pressure is, your age and your ethnicity. Most blood pressure medicines are taken as tablets once a day. You may need to take more than 1 medicine to keep your blood pressure under control. Blood Pressure UK: medications for high blood pressureNHS medicines A to Z: find your medicine