High blood pressure (Hypertension) puts too much pressure and stress on the walls of blood vessels. Over time high blood pressure can cause your heart to become abnormally large and beat less effectively.

Stages of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure and the narrowing of the arteries can cause heart attacks.

High blood pressure is one of the biggest stroke risk factors, failure to detect and control high blood pressure is the number one cause of avoidable strokes.

High blood pressure puts too much pressure and stress on the walls of blood vessels and increases the risk of both haemorrhages and blood clots. High blood pressure rarely gives any warning signs; the only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to get it checked.


If your blood pressure is high it can be treated. Healthy lifestyle changes will help to reduce your blood pressure.  You may also be prescribed drugs to bring your blood pressure down. There are many kinds of medication available and it may take a while to find the right drug at the right dose to suit you. If you experience any problems with the drug you are given, tell your GP and (s)he may be able to prescribe a different one.