What Is Hypertension?

Understanding and Managing High Blood Pressure.

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, occurs when your blood pressure levels stay consistently higher than what’s considered normal. While blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day, depending on your activity, stress levels, or even time of day ,consistently elevated readings may lead to a diagnosis of hypertension.

Left unmanaged, high blood pressure can increase your risk of serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.

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What Causes Hypertension?

High blood pressure often develops gradually over time, and in many cases, it’s linked to unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as:

• Eating a diet high in salt or processed foods
• Lack of physical activity
• Being overweight or obese
• Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption
• Living with conditions like diabetes

Hypertension can also occur during pregnancy and may require close monitoring to protect both the parent and baby.

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What Health Problems Can Hypertension Cause?

When left untreated, hypertension can cause significant damage to your body, especially your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. High blood pressure puts added strain on your arteries, making them less flexible. This can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of serious health events, including:

Heart-Related Issues:

• Angina (chest pain)
• Heart attacks – caused by blocked blood flow to the heart muscle
• Heart failure – where the heart struggles to pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs

Brain-Related Issues:

• Stroke – caused by blocked or burst arteries that stop oxygen reaching brain tissue
• Cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia

Did you know? Around 38% of strokes occur in middle-aged adults, with many cases linked to unmanaged high blood pressure.

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Managing High Blood Pressure

Hypertension is a common condition in the UK, and the good news is that it can often be effectively managed or even reversed with the right approach. If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure — or suspect you may have it — your GP will create a treatment plan tailored to your individual health needs.

Lifestyle changes that can help include:

• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Reducing salt intake
• Getting regular physical activity
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Managing stress and avoiding tobacco use

In some cases, your GP or pharmacist may recommend medication to help keep your blood pressure within a healthy range.

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Need Support?

At Layanson Pharmacy, we’re here to support you in managing your blood pressure and protecting your long-term health. Whether you’re seeking advice, need help understanding your medication, or want to monitor your blood pressure regularly, our team is here to help.

Contact us today or visit the pharmacy to speak with a healthcare professional.