High Blood Pressure Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

High blood pressure often causes no obvious symptoms. That is why it is sometimes described as a silent condition. Many people only discover it during a routine check, an NHS Health Check, a pharmacy test or an appointment for something else.

Can you feel high blood pressure?

Usually, no. You cannot reliably tell whether your blood pressure is high based on how you feel.

Some people with very high blood pressure may experience symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, chest pain, breathlessness or feeling unwell. These symptoms are not specific to blood pressure and should never be ignored.

When should you seek urgent help?

Get urgent medical help if you have symptoms such as chest pain, severe headache, sudden weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion, severe breathlessness or changes to vision. Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency.

If you have repeated high home readings but feel well, contact your GP or a healthcare professional for advice rather than trying to manage it alone.

Why regular checks are important

Untreated high blood pressure can increase the risk of serious health problems over time, including heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. The good news is that it can often be managed through lifestyle changes, medicines or both.

Know your usual pattern

A single reading is less informative than a reliable pattern. Pulse helps you record blood pressure over time so you can share clear information with your clinician. Track your readings with Pulse.