Condition6 min read
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
HTN
A long-term condition in which the pressure in the blood vessels is too high. It usually causes no symptoms, yet raises the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. It is found by measuring blood pressure and managed with lifestyle and medicines.
The World Health Organization defines hypertension as a reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher, and the diagnosis is confirmed by two measurements on different days. Most people affected have no symptoms, and its importance lies in raising the likelihood of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
Diagnosis relies on repeated measurements (in the clinic, at home or with a 24-hour monitor), and the home measurement threshold (135/85) differs from the clinic one (140/90) according to the NHS. Treatment combines lifestyle modification with the main medicine classes (ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics), and combining more than one class is often needed.
In one minute12
- What is it?
- High blood pressure in the vessels; the World Health Organization defines it as a reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher.
- Who is usually affected?
- Very common; the WHO estimates that about 1.4 billion adults aged 30 to 79 have it, and many of them do not know.
- Acute or chronic?
- Chronic and controlled by lifestyle and medicines.
- Main symptoms
- Mostly no symptoms; symptoms appear in very severe cases.
- Red flags?
- Yes: sudden pressing chest pain may indicate a heart attack.
- Preventable?
- A diet lower in salt, physical activity, a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol.
What is it?
Hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure inside the vessels is higher than it should be. The World Health Organization defines it as a reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher.
The NHS adopts a reading of 140/90 or higher when measured by a health professional, and 135/85 or higher when measured at home.
The WHO estimates (2024 data) that about 1.4 billion adults aged 30 to 79 have it (about 33% of this group), that about 44% of them do not know they have it, and that only about 23% control it.
Risk factors
Modifiable factors: a diet rich in salt and saturated and trans fats and low in vegetables and fruit, physical inactivity, smoking and alcohol, overweight and obesity, and air pollution.
Non-modifiable factors: family history, being over 65, and having diabetes or kidney disease.
The NHS adds: African-Caribbean or South Asian descent, and prolonged stress.
Symptoms
Hypertension mostly causes no symptoms.
In severe cases (usually 180/120 or higher) it may cause headache, chest pain, a change in vision, shortness of breath, nosebleed and abnormal heartbeat.
How is it diagnosed?
Blood pressure is measured with a cuff device, and the diagnosis is confirmed by repeated measurements; the WHO states measurement on two different days with a reading of 140 or more for systolic and/or 90 or more for diastolic on both days.
Home measurement or a portable 24-hour blood pressure monitor may be used for confirmation.
Treatment
The treatment categories usually used are listed here; this is not a prescription. The doctor chooses the plan according to each person's condition; do not change any medicine or dose without a specialist.
Treatment often starts with lifestyle changes: a balanced diet, physical activity (the NHS recommends at least 150 minutes a week), weight loss, reducing salt, alcohol and caffeine, and quitting smoking.
Medicines are added when blood pressure is very high or there is a risk of complications or lifestyle change is not enough. The classes mentioned in WHO guidelines: ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics. Combining more than one medicine is often needed. Doses are determined by the doctor only.
Complications
Heart disease, heart attacks, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease and vascular dementia.
Prevention
Eat vegetables and fruit, reduce long sitting, moderate aerobic activity of about 150 minutes a week with resistance exercise on two or more days a week, keep a healthy weight, reduce salt, and avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol.
When do you need urgent help?
Call emergency services now 998
- Sudden persistent chest pain with a feeling of pressure, squeezing or burning, or spreading to the arm, neck, jaw, abdomen or back, especially with sweating, nausea, dizziness or shortness of breath (it may be a heart attack).2
Get urgent care today
- Recurrent headache, blurred vision or intermittent chest pain with known high blood pressure.2
See your doctor within days
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.
Common questions
Questions for your doctor
- What blood pressure target suits my condition?
- Do I need home measurement or a 24-hour monitor?
- Which dietary and activity changes suit me best?
- Are the proposed medicines suitable given my diabetes or kidney disease?
- How often do I need follow-up and kidney and lipid tests?
References
- 1WHO. Hypertension — Fact sheet. www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertensionHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-04
- 2NHS. High blood pressure (hypertension). www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-05
Review status: Edited content · Last updated:
Change log
- — Page created.
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.