What should you know about hypertension prevention?

High blood pressure can develop without noticeable symptoms, so prevention includes finding it early rather than waiting to feel unwell.

Blood pressure is affected by several interacting factors, including inherited risk, age, body weight, salt intake, physical activity, sleep quality, alcohol and tobacco. You cannot change every factor, but daily habits can reduce strain on blood vessels and the heart.

Choose more vegetables, fruit, beans, whole grains and unsalted foods, and limit heavily processed meals. Regular activity such as brisk walking can support heart health. If you snore loudly, gasp during sleep or remain very tired in the daytime, ask about obstructive sleep apnoea, which can make blood pressure harder to control.

Weight changes are personal and should be approached safely. A clinician or dietitian can help tailor food and activity advice, especially if you have diabetes, kidney disease or another long-term condition.

Have your blood pressure checked during routine healthcare visits, or use a validated home monitor if a clinician recommends it. Sit quietly before a reading, keep your arm supported, and record readings with the date and time so a clinician can see the pattern.

Take prescribed medicines exactly as directed; do not stop them because a reading improves. Review over-the-counter medicines and supplements with a pharmacist, because some products can raise blood pressure. Avoid tobacco, keep alcohol within the limits advised for you, and build activity into ordinary routines such as walking, stairs or active household tasks.

If you already have hypertension, prevention also means controlling it and attending follow-up appointments. Managing it lowers the chance of complications involving the heart, kidneys and brain. Read more about [Hypertension](/conditions/hypertension/) and [Chronic Kidney Disease](/conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/).

Arrange a medical review if home readings remain higher than the range your clinician gave you, if readings are repeatedly elevated, or if you are having difficulty taking or tolerating treatment. Bring your monitor and reading record when possible.

Seek emergency help for severe or sudden chest pain, marked breathlessness, fainting, new weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking, confusion, or a sudden severe headache with vision changes. These symptoms can signal an urgent problem such as a [Stroke](/conditions/stroke/) or [Transient Ischaemic Attack](/conditions/transient-ischaemic-attack/); do not wait for a routine appointment.

Ask: How often should my blood pressure be checked? Is home monitoring suitable for me? Which eating and activity changes fit my health conditions? Could any medicine or supplement be affecting my readings? Do my sleep symptoms need assessment?

If you have risk factors or related symptoms, ask whether you need assessment for [Obesity](/conditions/obesity/), [Obstructive Sleep Apnoea](/conditions/obstructive-sleep-apnoea/) or heart and kidney complications.