High blood pressure
Hypertension
High blood pressure affects more than 1 billion people worldwide and is the most common cause of cardiovascular disease
About having high blood pressure
Need to know
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Symptoms of high blood pressure icon plus
High blood pressure does not generally cause any symptoms. However, if it is very high, you may experience the following:
- headaches
- blurred or double vision
- nosebleeds
- shortness of breath
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Diagnosing high blood pressure icon plus
You will be asked to sit down on a chair with a back support and have your legs uncrossed prior to your blood pressure being taken.
Your consultant will usually use an automatic device with a sensor to measure your blood pressure. If they decide to take your blood pressure using a pump and dial you will need to roll up your sleeve or remove any long-sleeved clothing so they can access your upper arm.
If you are found to have high blood pressure (hypertension) your consultant will try to determine the underlying causes. They will undertake a comprehensive assessment of your future risk of developing cardiovascular disease such as stroke, heart attack or kidney failure.
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Potential treatment options of high blood pressure icon plus
- Making healthy lifestyle changes such as lowering your salt intake, eating a balanced diet, being active, reducing your alcohol intake, losing weight if you're overweight, drinking less caffeine, not smoking and getting plenty of sleep every night.
- Taking medication to lower your blood pressure. This may include ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers, diuretics or beta-blockers.
Our cardiologists
Our facilities
We provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics for diagnostic testing.
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344