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Hypertension refers to high blood pressure. We explain how high blood pressure is diagnosed and treated.
Hypertension is normally caused by reduced space in the blood vessels in the body (vascular system). This is a result of plaques forming over time on the inside of the blood vessels. There are numerous risk factors associated with developing hypertension including:
In less common circumstances, other chronic health conditions can make the blood more viscous and, therefore, more difficult for the heart to pump around the vascular system.
Hypertension itself is a silent disease process meaning there are no symptoms of hypertension itself. However, there are well established risk factors for other, potentially catastrophic health problems including:
Normal blood pressure is 120/80. If readings are consistently higher than 135/85 then your doctor may diagnose you with hypertension and advise you to commence treatment.
In many cases our doctors may recommend that alongside lifestyle management changes, regular medication is commenced to lower your blood pressure. There are many forms of medications used, some which reduce the total volume of fluid circulating (diuretics) and others which act on how dilated your blood vessels are.
We will carefully consider your individual circumstances including your lifestyle and any other medical problems before prescribing the most effective medication for your hypertension.
Consultant Nephrologist and Consultant in Acute Medicine
MBBS, MRCP
The Clementine Churchill Hospital 1 more Syon Clinic
Consultant Interventional Cardiologist
MA MB BChir FRCP
The Highfield Hospital 1 more The Alexandra Hospital
Consultant Cardiologist
BSc (Hons), MB ChB, FRCP (Ed)
Ross Hall Hospital 1 more Ross Hall Clinic Braehead
Consultant Cardiologist
BSc, MBBS, PhD
The Clementine Churchill Hospital 1 more The Princess Margaret Hospital
Consultant Cardiologist
MA MD MRCP
Chelsfield Park Hospital 1 more The Sloane Hospital
Consultant Cardiologist
MB ChB, FRCP (London)
Ross Hall Hospital 1 more Ross Hall Clinic Braehead