15/12/2025
Your GP a nag? Surely NOT 😜
Hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure, is a very common condition that affects many adults, often without causing any noticeable symptoms. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. When this pressure is consistently too high, it can put extra strain on your heart and blood vessels.
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:
1) Systolic pressure (the top number): the pressure when your heart beats
2)Diastolic pressure (the bottom number): the pressure when your heart rests between beats
Hypertension is usually diagnosed when blood pressure readings are consistently 140/90 mmHg or higher (or 135/85 mmHg if measured at home).
Why does hypertension matter?
If left untreated, high blood pressure can increase the risk of serious health problems, including:
- Heart disease and heart attacks
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Vision problems
Many people can control their blood pressure through healthy lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, reducing salt intake, stopping smoking, and limiting alcohol. Some people may also need medication prescribed by their GP.
If you have concerns about your blood pressure or would like it checked, please speak to a member of our practice team.
💻You can upload your readings here; https://www.charltonhillsurgery.co.uk/your-record/health-review-forms/blood-pressure-review-form/
