Blood Pressure FAQ

According to NHS guidelines, a normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mmHg for most adults, regardless of age. However, blood pressure naturally tends to increase with age:

• Adults 18-39: Target below 120/80 mmHg
• Adults 40-59: Target below 140/90 mmHg
• Adults 60+: Target below 150/90 mmHg (may vary)

Your GP can provide personalised advice based on your individual health profile and risk factors.

Natural ways to help lower blood pressure include:

• Exercise regularly: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week
• Maintain a healthy weight: Even small weight losses can help
• Reduce salt intake: Limit to less than 6g per day
• Eat more fruits and vegetables: Aim for 5 portions daily
• Limit alcohol: Stay within NHS recommended limits
• Don't smoke: Smoking damages blood vessels
• Manage stress: Try relaxation techniques, meditation, or yoga
• Get adequate sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours per night

Always consult your GP before making significant lifestyle changes, especially if you're taking medication.

You should see your GP if:

• You consistently get readings above 140/90 mmHg
• You have symptoms like severe headaches, chest pain, or shortness of breath
• You have risk factors like family history, diabetes, or heart disease
• Your readings are consistently below 90/60 mmHg and you feel unwell
• You're over 40 and haven't had a check-up in the last year
• You're concerned about your readings or symptoms

Seek immediate medical attention (call 999) if your reading is above 180/120 mmHg.

Home monitors can be very accurate if they're validated and used correctly:

• Choose validated monitors: Look for British Hypertension Society approval
• Correct cuff size: Ensure the cuff fits your arm properly
• Follow instructions: Read and follow the manufacturer's guidelines
• Regular calibration: Have your monitor checked annually
• Proper technique: Sit quietly, arm at heart level, feet flat on floor

Your GP surgery can check your monitor's accuracy against their equipment. The NHS recommends upper arm monitors over wrist monitors for better accuracy.

Low blood pressure (hypotension) can be caused by:

• Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids
• Medications: Some blood pressure, heart, or depression medications
• Heart problems: Heart attack, heart failure, or valve problems
• Endocrine disorders: Thyroid problems, diabetes, or adrenal insufficiency
• Severe infection: Sepsis can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure
• Blood loss: From injury or internal bleeding
• Pregnancy: Blood pressure often drops in early pregnancy

While low blood pressure is often not serious, see your GP if you experience dizziness, fainting, nausea, or fatigue.

The frequency depends on your health status:

• Normal readings: Every 2 years if under 40, annually if over 40
• Elevated readings: Every 6 months or as advised by your GP
• High blood pressure: As recommended by your GP (often monthly initially)
• On medication: Regular monitoring as prescribed by your doctor

If monitoring at home, take readings at the same time each day and keep a record to show your GP.

Yes, stress can affect blood pressure in several ways:

• Temporary spikes: Acute stress can cause short-term increases
• Chronic effects: Long-term stress may contribute to sustained high blood pressure
• Unhealthy behaviours: Stress can lead to poor diet, smoking, or excessive drinking
• Sleep disruption: Stress affects sleep quality, which impacts blood pressure

Managing stress through exercise, relaxation techniques, adequate sleep, and social support can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

Blood pressure has two components:

• Systolic pressure (top number): The pressure when your heart beats and pushes blood through your arteries. This is typically the higher number.
• Diastolic pressure (bottom number): The pressure when your heart rests between beats. This is typically the lower number.

For example, in a reading of 120/80 mmHg, 120 is systolic and 80 is diastolic. Both numbers are important for assessing cardiovascular health.

Never stop taking prescribed medication without consulting your GP first.

Blood pressure medications often work by keeping your readings in the normal range. Stopping them suddenly can cause:

• Blood pressure to rise quickly
• Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
• Rebound hypertension (higher than before treatment)

If you want to reduce medication, work with your GP to develop a safe plan that may include lifestyle changes and gradual dose reduction under medical supervision.

Blood pressure naturally varies throughout the day due to:

• Time of day: Usually lower in the morning, higher in the afternoon
• Physical activity: Exercise temporarily raises blood pressure
• Stress and emotions: Can cause temporary increases
• Food and drink: Caffeine and large meals can affect readings
• Bladder fullness: A full bladder can raise blood pressure
• Temperature: Cold can temporarily increase blood pressure
• Talking: Speaking during measurement can affect results

For accurate readings, take multiple measurements at the same time each day and record the average.