Can hypertension cause stroke?

Persistently high pressure can weaken or stiffen the walls of vessels that supply the brain. A clot may block one of them, or a weakened vessel may leak or burst. Either event can injure brain tissue. Hypertension often has no obvious warning feeling, which is why regular checks matter even when you feel well. Other factors, including heart rhythm problems, smoking and diabetes, can also affect stroke risk.

Book a review for repeated high readings and take prescribed treatment as directed. Ask about home monitoring, movement, food choices, smoking cessation, alcohol and conditions such as diabetes or irregular heartbeat. Record readings at similar times and bring the record to appointments. Never stop blood-pressure medicine suddenly unless a clinician tells you to.

Call emergency services at once for sudden facial drooping, weakness or numbness on one side, slurred speech, trouble understanding, new vision loss, severe imbalance or a sudden severe headache. Note when the person was last known to be well. Do not wait for symptoms to settle, and do not give food, drink or medicine while waiting if swallowing is affected.

Ask what blood-pressure readings need action, how often to check them, whether your medicines interact, and which stroke warning signs your household should recognise.