High Blood Pressure: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment by a GP
High blood pressure means blood pressure stays too high against the walls of your blood vessels. Also known as hypertension, if left untreated, it may increase the risk of heart disease, kidney issues, and stroke.
Regular monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and medicines can help treat the condition.
At My Private Clinic, Dr Faizal offers same-day blood pressure check, monitors your levels, and provides appropriate hypertension treatment.
GMC Registered CQC Registered NHS Records Access No Referral Needed
Understanding High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, hypertension, is one of the leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke.1 In this condition, the blood pushes too hard against the walls of your blood vessels. It has two numbers. The top number (systolic) is the pressure when your heart beats. The bottom number (diastolic) is the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
Blood Pressure UK mentions that 1 in 3 adults in the UK have high BP, and many do not realise it because it does not cause symptoms. It is essential to have a blood pressure check.
You can have a same day GP appointment with Dr Faizal for a BP check & understand the right high blood pressure treatment for you.
Reviewed by: Dr Faizal Secretary, MRCGP - GMC 7606534 · CQC Registered Last Updated: November 2026
High Blood Pressure Symptoms
The NHS states that many people can have high blood pressure & have no symptoms. In rare cases, symptoms include:
- Headache
- Blurry vision
- Pain in the chest
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
Hypertension results from a combination of factors. They may include:
- A diet with too much salt. About 50-60% of patients are salt-sensitive.2
- A sedentary lifestyle and being overweight.
- Alcohol, smoking, and too much caffeine.
- Untreated sleep apnoea & low-quality sleep.
- Family history of high BP, ageing, and belonging to certain backgrounds (South Asian and Black African or Caribbean).
- Sometimes, kidney, thyroid, and hormonal imbalances are linked to high BP.2
Normal Blood Pressure by Age: What is a Healthy Blood Pressure Reading?
As stated by Blood Pressure UK, a healthy blood pressure reading sits between 90/60 and 120/80 for most adults. The range does not change with age. The NHS considers you to have high blood pressure at 140/90 or higher when checked by a healthcare professional, or 135/85 or higher when checked at home.
NICE recommends keeping blood pressure below 140/90 if you're under 80 and below 150/90 if you're 80 or older.
Here are the BP readings for your understanding.
| Category | Clinic Reading | Home or 24-hour average |
|---|---|---|
| Not high Blood pressure | Below 140/90 | Below 135/85 |
| Hypertension (Stage 1) | 140/90 or higher | 135/85 to 149/94 |
| Hypertension (Stage 2) | 160/100 or higher | 150/95 or higher |
| Hypertension (Stage 3) | 180/120 or higher | Not needed to confirm |
Having a regular blood pressure check is essential. Because even slightly high readings may harm your blood vessels over time.3
When To See A GP For High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure does not cause symptoms, but it is good to see a GP if you:
- Have a family history of high BP.
- Are overweight
- Smoke or drink alcohol
- Are older than 40 years and have not checked your blood pressure in the last 5 years.
When Is Hypertension An Emergency
Please call 999 immediately if:
- You feel sudden chest pain or tightness that does not improve.
- Chest pain spreads to your arm, neck, jaw, stomach, or back.
- You feel sick, light-headed, or unable to catch your breath during a chest pain episode.
High Blood Pressure Treatment
Hypertension treatment includes lifestyle modifications, high BP pills, and regular reviews & monitoring.
Daily Life Changes to Lower High BP
The NHS lifestyle advice to lower high blood pressure includes:
- Weight management, as it alone can lower the top number by 5 to 20 mmHg for every 10 kg of weight lost.2 You can seek guidance from weight loss clinic Preston.
- Stay active & perform at least 150 minutes of exercise weekly.
- Limit foods that contain high salt.
- Avoid excess caffeine.
- Cut back on alcohol & smoking.
High Blood Pressure Medication
Your GP may write you to take high blood pressure medications if your BP readings are too high or the levels remain high despite daily life changes. These medications may be ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers and thiazide-like diuretics.4
Hypertension Review & Care
Your GP will review your BP over the first 8 to 12 weeks to check if the medication is working. NICE advises a hypertension review at least once a year.
Your GP for High Blood Pressure Treatment
Dr Faizal Secretary
BSc (Hons) · MBChB · MRCGP · GMC 7606534
Dr Faizal Secretary is a GMC-registered GP based in Fulwood, Preston. He trained in the UK, holds a medical degree from the University of Manchester, and has a BSc with Distinction from Imperial College London. He is a member of the Royal College of General Practitioners and has experience across both NHS and private general practice.
- CQC Registered
- GMC Verified
- Seeing patients in Preston since 2017
Your Blood Pressure Treatment at My Private Clinic
See Dr Faizal
Book an appointment without a referral, and see Dr Faizal in a same-day GP appointment.
Consultation & Blood Pressure Check
Dr Faizal will discuss your symptoms and medical history and will check your blood pressure in the clinic. If it is high, he may provide a 24-hour blood pressure monitor to confirm the readings.
Health Check (If Needed)
He may suggest a private blood test Preston, lipid test, a urine test and an ECG test. These show if high blood pressure has affected your heart or kidneys.
High Blood Pressure Medication Prescription
Dr Faizal will guide you on lifestyle changes and write a private prescription for appropriate & MHRA-approved medicines for your high BP.
Hypertension Review & Follow-up
Dr Faizal will check how your treatment is working and adjust it if needed. After that, you have a hypertension review at least once a year. If required, he can write a private specialist referral letter to a cardiologist.
I had a very positive experience with Dr Secretary at My Private Clinic. He was professional, approachable and responsive throughout the process. The consultation was thorough and unhurried, with careful consideration given to the information provided. The subsequent medical report was comprehensive, clearly written and delivered promptly. I particularly appreciated his attention to detail, willingness to consider feedback and commitment to ensuring the report was accurate. Thank you, Dr Faizal, for your professionalism, care and excellent service. I would happily recommend My Private Clinic.
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I came across Dr Secretary's private clinic when searching for private, local to me, Preston GP appointments. I was immediately impressed by the flexibility of appointments available, ease of booking, and the information on Dr Secretary's website. I could tell Dr Secretary was the type of clinician to actually listen to his patients and offer valuable professional insight. I booked a last minute same day appointment for my daughter, as the pre booked NHS appointment was weeks away; and as I had suspected Dr Secretary was patient, thorough and very attentive. He listened to all concerns, asked all the appropriate questions, carefully weighing up possibilities and options, and was very transparent throughout the entire appointment. He put my mind at ease, with initial concerns, and recommended suitable next steps which have been very helpful. I would thoroughly recommend Dr Secretary to anyone looking for a reliable, attentive and professional private GP, and we certainly won't hesitate to book again. Many thanks on behalf of myself and my daughter.
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Read this review on Google →FAQs about Hypertension
How can I lower my high blood pressure?
Reduce your salt intake, do more physical activity, lose extra weight, and avoid alcohol consumption and smoking. If your BP still remains high, your GP may prescribe you medicines.
Can you cure high blood pressure in 3 minutes?
You cannot cure high blood pressure in 3 minutes. Slow & deep breaths can relieve it for the time being only. For real improvements, you need to adopt a healthy lifestyle in combination with medicines.
What is high diastolic blood pressure?
Diastolic blood pressure is when your heart rests between beats. It is the bottom reading & is considered high when it is 90 or more.
Does high blood pressure make you tired?
It does not cause tiredness directly. However, you may feel tired due to blood pressure tablets, poor sleep or another health problem. If you feel always tired, please discuss it with your GP.
Can high blood pressure cause headaches?
Usually, high blood pressure does not cause headaches. If you have a severe headache & your blood pressure reading is near 180/120, please seek urgent medical help.
What is the best time to take blood pressure tablets?
Morning or evening times are appropriate. The important thing is to take them at the same time every day, so you do not forget.
How do you feel when your blood pressure is high?
Mostly, there are no symptoms. But in cases of very high blood pressure, one may feel pain in the chest, blurry vision, or a severe headache.
What is dangerously high blood pressure?
A blood pressure reading of 180/120 or higher is extremely high. In that case, please seek medical help immediately.
What is the best medicine for high blood pressure?
The best medication for high blood pressure is decided on your age, medical history, and general health.
Sources
- Oparil S, Acelajado MC, Bakris GL, et al. Hypertension. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2018;4:18014. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2018.14 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29565029/
- Iqbal AM, Jamal SF. Essential Hypertension. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Updated July 20, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539859/
- Srivastava A, Mirza TM, Vaqar S, Sharan S. Elevated Blood Pressure. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30855897/
- Regalla DKR, Patel P. Antihypertensive Medications. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026. Updated May 26, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554579/
Reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary, MRCGP · GMC 7606534. This page is for information and does not replace a consultation.
Why Choose My Private Clinic For Hypertension Treatment?
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