High Blood Pressure

In most people, high blood pressure doesn't cause any symptoms, so you may not know that you have it. The only way to know for certain is to have your blood pressure checked by a healthcare professional.

Symptoms that high blood pressure can cause include:

• headaches

• blurred vision

• chest pain

Whilst the causes of high blood pressure are not always clear, there are certain things that can increase your risk, including if you:

• are over 65 years old

• are overweight

• have a relative with high blood pressure

• eat too much salt

• do not exercise enough

• drink too much alcohol or caffeine

• smoke

• do not get enough sleep

• have obstructive sleep apnoea

You can read more about the causes and symptoms of high blood pressure.

To investigate the causes of your high blood pressure, we can carry out the following tests:

• blood tests

• ECG

• echocardiogram

• ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

Preventing high blood pressure involves adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, which can include the following habits:

• maintaining a healthy weight – even modest weight loss can lower blood pressure

• engaging in regular physical activity – try brisk walking, cycling, or swimming

• eating a balanced diet – try to incorporate a mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy, while limiting salt and saturated fats

• limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking

• managing stress and getting enough sleep each night – relaxation techniques can help

Having high blood pressure puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and the brain, kidneys and eyes.

If high blood pressure persists, it can increase your risk of a number of serious and life-threatening health conditions including:

• heart disease

• heart attacks

• strokes

• heart failure

• peripheral arterial disease

• aortic aneurysms

• kidney disease

• vascular dementia

Blood pressure needs treatment if it is too high, to reduce the risk of stroke or heart failure.

• lifestyle changes – lose weight, reduce salt, increase fresh vegetables and fruit, reduce fat

• Treating possible causes – for example, obstructive sleep apnoea

• medication – many drugs are available, and will be tailored to your condition

• renal denervation – not yet a cure, but will be considered in resistant hypertension

At Welbeck, our cardiologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure you receive the best possible treatment as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.