Overview
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition in which the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and recorded as two numbers: systolic pressure, which is the pressure when your heart beats, and diastolic pressure, which is the pressure when your heart rests between beats. A normal blood pressure reading is generally considered to be between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. A reading consistently at or above 140/90 mmHg is classified as high blood pressure. According to NHS guidance on hypertension, around one in three adults in the UK has high blood pressure, though many are unaware of it because the condition often produces no noticeable symptoms. This is why it is often referred to as the silent killer, and why regular blood pressure checks are so important.
High blood pressure places extra strain on your heart, blood vessels, and vital organs over time. If left untreated, it significantly increases your risk of developing serious and potentially life-threatening conditions. These include heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, kidney disease, vascular dementia, and peripheral arterial disease. The British Heart Foundation estimates that high blood pressure is responsible for around half of all heart attacks and strokes in the UK. Because hypertension rarely causes obvious symptoms, many people live with dangerously elevated blood pressure for years without knowing it. The only way to find out whether your blood pressure is too high is to have it measured. This is why the NHS and healthcare professionals strongly recommend regular blood pressure checks, particularly if you are over the age of 40 or have risk factors such as a family history of cardiovascular disease.
In most cases, there is no single identifiable cause of high blood pressure. This type is known as primary or essential hypertension and develops gradually over many years. However, several factors are known to increase your risk. These include being overweight or obese, eating too much salt and not enough fruit and vegetables, not exercising regularly, drinking too much alcohol or caffeine, smoking, not getting enough sleep or having disrupted sleep patterns, being over the age of 65, and having a family history of high blood pressure. Certain ethnic groups, including people of African or Caribbean descent, are also at higher risk. In some cases, high blood pressure can be caused by an underlying condition such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or the use of certain medications including the combined oral contraceptive pill, some herbal remedies, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The NHS provides a full list of risk factors and causes that you may find helpful to review.
High blood pressure is sometimes called the silent killer because it usually causes no symptoms at all. Most people with hypertension feel completely well, which is why so many cases go undiagnosed. In rare cases where blood pressure is very high, some people may experience persistent headaches, blurred vision, nosebleeds, shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness. However, these symptoms are not specific to high blood pressure and can be caused by many other conditions. The only reliable way to know whether your blood pressure is too high is to have it checked by a healthcare professional. The NHS recommends that all adults over 40 should have their blood pressure checked at least every five years, and more frequently if you have risk factors. You can get a free, quick, and accurate blood pressure reading at your nearest Allied Pharmacies branch through our NHS Blood Pressure Check service.
If your blood pressure is mildly elevated or you want to reduce your risk of developing hypertension, lifestyle changes can make a significant difference. The NHS recommends several practical steps to help lower blood pressure naturally. Reducing your salt intake to less than 6 grams per day is one of the most effective changes you can make. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein while limiting saturated fat and processed foods supports healthy blood pressure levels. The NHS Eatwell Guide can help you plan a heart-healthy diet. Regular physical activity, such as 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, strengthens your heart and helps it pump blood more efficiently. Maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, reducing caffeine intake, quitting smoking, and managing stress through techniques such as mindfulness or deep breathing can all contribute to healthier blood pressure readings over time.
If lifestyle changes alone are not enough to bring your blood pressure under control, your GP may prescribe medication. There are several types of blood pressure medication available, and the right choice depends on your age, ethnicity, and overall health. Common types include ACE inhibitors such as ramipril, angiotensin receptor blockers such as losartan, calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine, and thiazide diuretics such as indapamide. In some cases, more than one medication may be needed to achieve the target blood pressure. It is important to take your medication exactly as prescribed, even if you feel well, as stopping suddenly can cause your blood pressure to rise to dangerous levels. If you have been started on a new blood pressure medication, our New Medicine Service at Allied Pharmacies offers free follow-up consultations to check how you are getting on and address any side effects or concerns. You can also report any suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or are at risk of developing it, monitoring your readings at home can be a valuable part of managing your health. Home blood pressure monitors allow you to track your readings over time, identify patterns, and share accurate data with your GP or pharmacist. When choosing a home monitor, look for one that has been validated by the British and Irish Hypertension Society, as this ensures it meets clinical accuracy standards. To get the most accurate readings, sit quietly for five minutes before measuring, place the cuff on your upper arm at heart level, take two readings one minute apart, and record both. Avoid measuring immediately after exercise, eating, or drinking caffeine. Your pharmacist can show you how to use your monitor correctly and help you understand what your readings mean. Bring your home readings to your next NHS Blood Pressure Check at Allied Pharmacies so we can compare them with our clinical-grade equipment.
Your local Allied Pharmacies branch is one of the most accessible places to get your blood pressure checked and receive expert advice on managing hypertension. Our NHS Blood Pressure Check service is free, takes just a few minutes, and does not require an appointment. Our trained pharmacists use clinically validated equipment to provide an accurate reading and can explain what your numbers mean. If your reading is elevated, we can advise you on lifestyle changes, discuss whether you should see your GP, and provide ongoing monitoring to track your progress. If you are already taking blood pressure medication, our New Medicine Service offers structured follow-up consultations to ensure your treatment is working effectively. We also provide Prescription Dispensing for all blood pressure medications and can offer advice through our Pharmacy First service on related concerns such as headaches, dizziness, or lifestyle changes. You do not need to wait for a GP appointment to start taking control of your blood pressure.
High blood pressure is one of the most preventable risk factors for heart disease and stroke, yet millions of people in the UK remain undiagnosed simply because they have never had their blood pressure checked. Do not wait until symptoms appear, because in most cases they never will. Taking five minutes to visit your local Allied Pharmacies branch for a free NHS Blood Pressure Check could be one of the most important health decisions you make this year. If you have already been diagnosed with hypertension, regular monitoring and medication reviews can help you stay on track. To find your nearest branch, learn more about our services, or book a consultation, visit www.alliedpharmacies.com. For more information about high blood pressure, visit the NHS hypertension guide or the British Heart Foundation. Your heart health matters, and checking your blood pressure is the simplest first step you can take.