High Blood Pressure Explained: Numbers, Targets and Treatment Options

Blood pressure measuring

Summary

High blood pressure is widespread and often causes no symptoms at all. For many people, it is first discovered during a routine check, long after it has already begun to affect the heart, kidneys or blood vessels. This guide explains causes of high blood pressure, what the numbers actually mean, how to understand your personal target, what you can safely do at home, when to seek medical help, and how a consultant physician can assess blood pressure in person at Eric Healthcare in Salford or online across the UK.

Who this guide is for

This guide is for you if:

1.    You have been told your blood pressure is “a bit high”, but do not fully understand what that means.

2.    Your readings vary a lot, and you are not sure which numbers to trust.

3.    You feel well but have been advised to monitor your blood pressure at home.

4.    You have symptoms such as headaches, dizziness or palpitations and wonder if blood pressure is involved.

5.    You want clear, practical guidance on how blood pressure is assessed, managed and monitored.

If you feel extremely unwell right now — sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness, collapse or confusion — stop reading and call 999 immediately.

Red flag checklist: when to seek urgent help

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if high blood pressure is associated with:

1.    Sudden severe chest pain, especially if heavy or spreading to the arm, jaw or back.

2.    Severe breathlessness at rest.

3.    New weakness in the face, arm or leg, or sudden difficulty speaking.

4.    Severe, sudden headache, unlike anything you have had before.

5.    Confusion, collapse, blackouts or seizures.

6.    Vision loss or sudden severe visual disturbance.

7.    Blood pressure readings above 180/120 with any of the symptoms above.

This clinic is not an emergency service. If your symptoms are severe, worsening quickly or feel life-threatening, call 999 or attend your nearest A&E immediately.

Common causes of high blood pressure

There is rarely one single cause; many systems influence blood pressure in the body. Understanding the broad categories can help you think clearly about your situation.

1. Lifestyle-related factors

• High salt intake, processed food and dehydration.

• Lack of exercise and long periods of sitting.

• Excess alcohol or smoking.

• Stress, poor sleep and long-term pressure at work or home.

These factors contribute significantly and are often reversible.

2. Medical conditions managed by GPs

• Kidney conditions (even mild ones).

• Thyroid disorders.

• Diabetes and insulin resistance.

• High cholesterol and metabolic syndrome.

• Sleep apnoea — pauses in breathing at night, raising blood pressure.

Your GP can arrange the initial blood tests and assessments.

3. Genetic and age-related reasons

• Blood pressure naturally rises with age as arteries stiffen.

• Some people inherit a tendency to high blood pressure even with a healthy lifestyle.

• Family history of hypertension, heart disease or stroke increases risk.

These factors cannot be changed, but they guide the best management strategy.

4. Less common but important causes

• Hormonal conditions such as adrenal disorders.

• Narrowing of the kidney arteries.

• Certain medications (including some painkillers and contraceptives).

These typically need a consultant-level assessment to identify correctly.

What you can safely do at home for now

If you have no red flag symptoms, these steps can help you understand and manage your blood pressure:

1.    Take accurate readings — sit quietly for five minutes, feet flat on the floor, arm supported, and take two readings one minute apart.

2.    Track your numbers — keep a simple log morning and evening for a week.

3.    Reduce salt — avoid processed foods, ready meals and snacks high in sodium.

4.    Stay hydrated — small, regular drinks throughout the day.

5.    Move regularly — walking, gentle exercise, or simply breaking up long sitting periods.

6.    Limit alcohol and avoid energy drinks.

7.    Protect your sleep — consistent bedtimes, reduced screens late in the evening.

If your numbers continue to rise, stay consistently above the target given by your GP, or you feel generally worse, seek a medical review.

When and how to seek non-emergency medical help

1. Start with your GP

Your GP can confirm your diagnosis, arrange blood tests, review medications and check for common secondary causes.

2. Walk-in or urgent treatment centres

Useful if your readings are high but you feel well, and need same-day reassurance or advice.

3. Consider a consultant physician when:

• Your readings remain high despite lifestyle changes.

• Your results are fluctuating and difficult to interpret.

• You have symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness or swelling.

• You have other medical conditions that complicate treatment (diabetes, kidney issues, thyroid disease).

• You want a structured plan for tests, monitoring and long-term risk reduction.

4. Online or in person?

• Online consultations are excellent for reviewing home readings, planning investigations and adjusting monitoring.

• In-person appointments are ideal when a detailed examination, heart assessment or blood pressure review is needed.

How Dr Paraiso’s clinic can help

Dr Hassan Paraiso is a consultant in Acute and General Internal Medicine. He helps adults understand their blood pressure readings, identify underlying causes and create a realistic, safe management plan.

You can access his care in three ways:

1. In-person clinic in Salford

• Location : Eric Healthcare, Bowsall House, 3 King Street, Salford, M3 7DG

• Telephone: 0121 838 1869

A typical consultation includes:

• A detailed review of your symptoms, home readings and history.

• A focused heart, lung and blood pressure examination.

• Review of previous blood tests, ECGs or scans.

• Arrangement of appropriate new tests when needed.

• A clear written summary to share with your GP.

2. Online consultations — UK-wide

Ideal for interpreting blood pressure readings, reviewing lifestyle changes, adjusting monitoring plans and deciding whether further tests are needed.

3. Direct access to tests — UK-wide

• Private blood tests for kidney function, thyroid, cholesterol, diabetes markers and more.

• Holter heart rhythm monitoring if palpitations or dizziness accompany high blood pressure.

You can book tests alone or combine them with a consultation for interpretation.

If this sounds like your situation and it is not an emergency, you can find out more at DrParaiso.co.uk.

Frequently asked questions

1.    Do I need medication straight away?

Not always. It depends on your readings, risk factors and overall health.

3.    Why do my readings change so much?

Blood pressure varies with stress, posture, temperature, sleep and activity.

4.    Can high blood pressure be assessed online?

Yes — many assessments rely on your history, home readings and blood tests.

5.    Is high blood pressure dangerous even if I feel fine?

Yes. Untreated hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney problems.

6.    Will you write to my GP?

Yes, you will receive a clear summary to share.

Key takeaways

1.    High blood pressure is common and often silent.

2.    Understanding the causes of high blood pressure helps guide treatment.

3.    Home monitoring and lifestyle adjustments can make a real difference.

4.    Consultant input is helpful when readings remain high or unclear.

5.    The clinic offers in-person assessments in Birmingham and online consultations and tests across the UK.

Final safety reminder

This clinic is not an emergency service. If your symptoms are severe, worsening quickly or potentially life-threatening, call 999 or attend your nearest A&E immediately.