High Blood Pressure (hypertension)

Information, advice, guidance and services for people with high blood pressure.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, rarely has noticeable symptoms and many people are unaware they have the condition, but if left untreated, it can increase your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

How to monitor your blood pressure at home

The video talks through the importance of monitoring blood pressure, the benefits of doing this at home, and demonstrates how to accurately and effectively take readings.

What is high blood pressure?

Blood pressure is recorded with two numbers. The systolic pressure (higher number) is the force at which your heart pumps blood around your body and the diastolic pressure (lower number) is the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels. They’re both measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). 

As a general guide:

  • high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher (or 150/90mmHg or higher if you’re over the age of 80)
  • ideal blood pressure is usually considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg

Blood pressure readings between 120/80mmHg and 140/90mmHg could mean you’re at risk of developing high blood pressure if you do not take steps to keep your blood pressure under control. It is important to remember that everyone’s blood pressure will be slightly different. What’s considered low or high for you may be normal for someone else.

Check your blood pressure reading