High Blood Pressure: Frequently asked Questions
Can you tell when your blood pressure is high?
Usually the only way to know if you have high blood pressure is
to have it measured. Most people cannot tell if their blood pressure
is high any other way. Symptoms such as a headache or dizziness
are very unusual, which is why it is important for you to have you
blood pressure checked regularly. This is why high blood pressure
is often known as the silent killer.
Should I measure my blood pressure at home?
Many people do measure their blood pressure at home as it helps
them to feel more in control of their condition. There are a number
of digital machines available for home use. If you are thinking
of buying a machine, buy one that measures blood pressure from the
top of your arm rather than at the wrist as, at the moment, these
tend to give more accurate readings.
Your blood pressure readings will be lower at home because you
are usually more relaxed. Make sure that you keep a record of your
readings to pass onto your doctor or nurse.
Follow this link for full factsheet "How
to measure your blood pressure" and this link
for details about accurate
blood pressure monitors, recommended by the British Hypertension
Society for home use.
How does age affect blood pressure?
As you get older your blood pressure is likely to rise. This means
that you need to have your blood pressure checked every year so
that if it does start to rise you can take steps to lower it, such
as changing your lifestyle. It does not matter what age you are,
140/90mmHg is the level for high blood pressure for everyone, whether
you are 20 or 80. The old saying that the top number (systolic)
of you blood pressure should be 100 plus your age is not true.
Will I need to have any tests or investigations?
As well as having your blood pressure measured several times it
may also be necessary for you to have some simple tests done. Your
doctor will usually ask about your family and medical history, will
often give you a urine and blood test and may also ask you to have
a recording of the electrical activity of your heart (ECG). Some
people may also have blood pressure monitoring over a 24-hour period.
A few people may need more detailed investigations but your doctor
will discuss these with you.
How long does it take for lifestyle changes and
medications to work?
This largely depends upon the individual. Reducing the amount of
salt and increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables that you
eat usually takes a few weeks to start having an affect on your
blood pressure. Increasing the amount of exercise you do, and losing
weight are more likely to take longer. Once you start taking a new
medicine your doctor will usually ask you to take it for a month
and then check your blood pressure after that. By this time you
should see how effective they are. However, not everyone finds the
right tablet for them straight away and you may need to try several
until you find one that works and that you feel happy taking.
Are there any other medicines that I can't take
if I am taking tablets for blood pressure?
Whenever you have other medicines, whether they are from your doctor
or from your chemist always tell them that you are taking tablets
for your high blood pressure. Some cold and flu medicines and some
painkillers (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen and
voltarol) can interfere with some tablets for high blood pressure.
Does stress cause high blood pressure?
Many people do think that stress can cause high blood pressure,
particularly long term stress at work or at home. Stressful situations
can cause your blood pressure to go up in the short-term, but it
will come back down once that stress has gone. Long-term stress
is not thought to cause high blood pressure on its own. However,
if as a result of your stress you also have an unhealthy lifestyle,
drinking alcohol excessively and being overweight for example, this
may have an effect on your blood pressure.
If I have high blood pressure, will my children
have it?
High blood pressure does run in families and it is even more important
that if you have high blood pressure that you help your children
to lead a healthy lifestyle too. If your children follow the same
diet that you should be following, take exercise and avoid being
overweight they should be able to reduce their own risk of developing
high blood pressure too.
How often will I need to see my doctor?
When you first find out that you have high blood pressure you will
probably need to see your doctor quite regularly, to get your blood
pressure checked. Your doctor will also want to make sure that if
you are taking tablets your blood pressure is well controlled and
you feel well taking them. Once your blood pressure is well controlled
then you will need to go less often. Your practice nurse can check
your blood pressure and manage your condition and it may only be
necessary for you to see your doctor every six months or every year,
particularly if you check your own blood pressure at home. Everyone
is different. Discuss your visits with your practice nurse and/or
your doctor.
Key points
· High blood pressure is very common in the United Kingdom.
Many people with high blood pressure don't know that they have it
until it's too late
· High blood pressure that is not treated can lead to a heart
attack, heart failure, stroke and kidney disease
· High blood pressure can rarely be cured but it can be treated
very effectively
· Taking medicines and making changes to your lifestyle,
such as reducing salt, eating fruit and vegetables and watching
your weight can help to bring your blood pressure down and keep
it down
· If you need to take tablets to treat your blood pressure
will almost certainly have to take them for life. However, they
should not make you feel unwell or interfere in any way with your
day-to-day activitiesOnce your blood pressure is controlled you
should feel and think of yourself as completely well
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