What is hypertension?

Blood pressure changes during the day and can rise with stress, pain, activity, caffeine, or an unsuitable cuff. A diagnosis usually depends on repeated readings or home monitoring rather than one isolated result. Many people feel well, which is why routine checks are useful. Over time, untreated hypertension can contribute to angina, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, stroke, or a transient ischaemic attack.

Keep a record of readings taken with a correctly fitting cuff and bring it to appointments. Take prescribed medicine consistently; do not stop it because you feel well. Regular movement, a balanced eating pattern, less salt, avoiding tobacco, moderating alcohol, restorative sleep, and addressing obesity can all support blood-pressure management. Obstructive sleep apnoea and other conditions may also need assessment.

Seek emergency help for a very high reading accompanied by chest pain, severe breathlessness, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, confusion, fainting, or a sudden severe headache. These symptoms can signal stroke, heart strain, or another emergency and should not be managed by changing tablets on your own.

How should I measure blood pressure at home, and when should I record it? What target applies to me? Could another condition or medicine be affecting my readings, and when should my treatment be reviewed?