Secure delivery
UK clinicians
Hypertension, sometimes simply called high blood pressure, is where your heart has to work harder than it should to get blood around the body.
If left untreated, it can cause serious health issues. Talk to us to get expert help and advice, and we can help to find a treatment that works for you.
Hypertension is a health condition in which the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is too high. This can damage your arteries and increase the risk of heart, kidney and other health problems.
Blood flows from the heart to different parts of the body through blood vessels. With every heartbeat, the heart pumps blood into the vessels. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood flowing through your blood vessels and the resistance the blood faces when the heart is pumping it. The higher the blood pressure, the harder the heart has to work to pump blood.
The chances of suffering from hypertension increases with age. You will also be at higher risk of having a high blood pressure if you lead an unhealthy lifestyle, such as being overweight, not getting enough exercise, having a poor diet, smoking or drinking.
You’ll also be at a higher risk of suffering from hypertension if you are of African or Black Caribbean descent or live in a deprived area.
Very. In 2010, it was estimated that around 31% of the world’s adult population had hypertension - some 1.4 billion people.
In the same study, it was found that the amount of people with hypertension in high-income countries is decreasing, whilst in low and middle income countries, the number is increasing quite rapidly. This means that worldwide, hypertension is becoming an ever-more common issue.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Hypertension can occur due to many factors, such as: stress, unhealthy choices in your diet and lifestyle (like having food rich in fat and salt), smoking, drinking too much alcohol or lack of physical activity.
Besides these factors, some chronic medical conditions like diabetes, obesity, kidney problems and high cholesterol may also cause high blood pressure. You might also be at risk of having hypertension if any of your family members, especially your parents, have it.
High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as a ‘silent killer’ because it often shows no noticeable symptoms at all, but does serious damage to the heart. It also increases the risk of damage to the kidneys or blood vessels without prior warning.
Though rare, high blood pressure symptoms may include headache, dizziness, chest pain, nausea, shortness of breath, excessive sweating and heart palpitations. If you experience any of these, it might be a warning sign of high blood pressure – but because they’re quite non-specific symptoms, they could be caused by several other factors too.
The only way to know for sure if you have high blood pressure is to get your blood pressure checked. If you haven’t been diagnosed with high blood pressure but you’re over 40, it’s recommended to get this done regularly, ideally once a year.
Hypertension is an illness which can cause serious health problems if left uncontrolled or untreated. It can trigger complications like: heart attack, heart palpitations, heart failure, stroke, loss of vision, dementia and kidney damage. Metabolic syndromes and even memory loss can also occur due to high blood pressure.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Global Disparities of Hypertension Prevalence and Control. Circulation, 134(6), pp.441–450.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors in Hypertension: To Use or Not to Use? Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 71(13), pp.1474–1482.
Comparative efficacy of exercise and anti-hypertensive pharmacological interventions in reducing blood pressure in people with hypertension: A network meta-analysis. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 27(3), pp.247–255
Blood pressure lowering effect of calcium channel blockers on perioperative hypertension. Medicine, 97(48), p.e13152.
Effective hypertension treatment. Easy to swallow capsule.
Generic form of Zestril. Just as effective but cheaper.
An easy way to manage your blood pressure.
Felodipine is a tablet that can reduce blood pressure. It’s the generic version of Cardioplen XL.
Diuretic tablet that treats hypertension. Available in two doses.
Daily tablet that lowers blood pressure and comes in 5 doses.
Effective, one-a-day diuretic (water tablet) to help with high blood pressure.
Effective prolonged release tablets for high blood pressure, taken once a day. Suitable for most people including those over 75 or with diabetes.
Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)
Meet DanielRegistered with GPhC (No. 2202465)
Meet SanjedaRegistered with GPhC (No. 2070724)
Meet CraigAlways read the leaflet that comes with your medication and tell us about any side effects you get.
We know health, but you know you.
Our experts tell you what’s safe, but you decide what’s best.
Answer a few questions and tell us about yourself. Get tailored advice from our clinicians so you can choose better.
Choose your treatment and how often you have it delivered.
We know things change. It’s the nature of life. We’ll check in regularly to make sure your treatment is still right for you.
Pause. Change. Skip. Start again. Any time you like.
Here are some other things we can help with.
Choose from our range of tablets and solutions. Get ongoing care and support from our experts.
Stop smoking treatments that can help you kick the habit forever, and reduce your risk of disease.
Tablets or injections. Tailored weight loss treatments combined with ongoing support from our experts.
We're making healthcare more about you. Sign up to our newsletter for personalised health articles that make a difference.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
We couldn't find what you're looking for.
Here's everything we treat. Or, if you're looking for something we don't have yet, you can suggest something.
If there’s a particular treatment or condition you’re looking for, tell us and we’ll look into it for you.
Submit your question here, or tell us if you’ve found an issue on our site.
We’ll get back to you very soon. We aim to respond to all queries in one working day.
You’re signed up to our newsletter. Keep an eye on your inbox for our latest update.
By clicking 'Subscribe now' you're agreeing to our Privacy Policy.
We’ve sent you an email asking you to confirm your email address.