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Your blood pressure

Learn about high blood pressure, what causes it, & how to lower it.

 

If you’ve been told you have high blood pressure (hypertension) or you would like to learn more about it, these are the pages for you.

Our information is written by our team of experts, and this section takes you through what your blood pressure readings mean, how high blood pressure can affect your body, what causes it and the steps you can take to lower it.

If you have any questions, our healthcare team is here to help.

Understanding your blood pressure

Find out how blood pressure works, what high blood pressure is, the health problems it causes and what the numbers mean.

Causes of high blood pressure

A number of things can raise your blood pressure over time, including eating too much salt, smoking, being overweight and not being active.

Getting diagnosed

High blood pressure has no symptoms, so the only way to know if you have it is to get a blood pressure check – it’s quick, free and simple.

How to lower your blood pressure

There are lots of simple things you can do to get your numbers under control. See the changes you can make and understand the medications available.

Know Your Numbers!

Our award-winning flagship campaign. The highlight is Know Your Numbers! Week, the UK's biggest blood pressure testing and awareness event.

FAQs

Find answers to the most common questions about living with high blood pressure.

 

When you have your blood pressure measured, you will be given two numbers, systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom). Once you know your numbers, you can use our blood pressure chart to see what they mean and if your blood pressure is in the healthy range.

Blood pressure chart

Blood Pressure UK membership can help to keep your blood pressure under control

Membership means you get a helping hand in looking after your blood pressure while supporting others. Over 90% of our members say that being a member of Blood Pressure UK helps them to manage and lower their blood pressure. Find out what you get as a member and how to join.

Become a member
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