High Blood Pressure

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a long-term medical condition where the pressure in your arteries is consistently too high. Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:

  • Systolic pressure – the pressure when your heart beats

  • Diastolic pressure – the pressure when your heart relaxes between beats

A reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered hypertensive. If left untreated, high blood pressure can significantly increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, heart failure, kidney damage, and other serious health problems.

At our private cardiology clinic in London, we specialise in diagnosing and managing hypertension with tailored treatment plans to protect your long-term heart health.

What Are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?

Most people with high blood pressure do not experience any symptoms, which is why it's often called the “silent killer.” Many individuals only discover they have hypertension during a routine check-up.

When symptoms do occur, particularly with very high blood pressure (also called urgent hypertension), they may include:

  • Early morning headaches

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Blurred vision or visual disturbances

  • Heart palpitations

  • Shortness of breath

In rare but serious cases, a hypertensive emergency can lead to chest pain, confusion, weakness, or other signs of organ damage. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

What Causes Hypertension?

Hypertension can be classified into two main types:

  • Primary (essential) hypertension – the most common type, developing gradually due to a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, such as:

    • High salt intake

    • Lack of physical activity

    • Being overweight or obese

    • Chronic stress

    • Excessive alcohol consumption

  • Secondary hypertension – caused by an underlying health condition, such as:

    • Kidney disease

    • Hormonal disorders (e.g. hyperaldosteronism, phaeochromocytoma)

    • Certain medications (e.g. oral contraceptives, NSAIDs)

Secondary hypertension is less common but should be considered, especially in younger patients under 40.

How is Hypertension Diagnosed?

High blood pressure is diagnosed when your readings consistently measure 140/90 mmHg or higher. Diagnosis may involve:

  • In-clinic blood pressure readings

  • Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) – 24-hour monitoring outside the clinic

  • Home Blood Pressure Monitoring (HBPM)

Some patients experience “white coat hypertension” – high readings in a medical setting but normal at home – which ABPM or HBPM can help identify.

Once diagnosed, our expert cardiology consultants in London will carry out a detailed assessment to determine the cause and check for any signs of organ damage.

How is Hypertension Treated?

Effective management of high blood pressure is essential to reduce your risk of serious complications like heart attacks and strokes. Treatment usually involves a combination of:

  • Lifestyle changes – including diet, exercise, stress management, and reducing salt and alcohol intake

  • Medication – common options include:

    • ACE inhibitors

    • Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)

    • Calcium channel blockers

    • Thiazide-like diuretics

In more complex cases, advanced treatments such as renal artery denervation may be considered.

At our London hypertension clinic, we create a personalised treatment plan based on your health needs and risk factors. We offer ongoing monitoring, support, and follow-up to ensure your blood pressure is well controlled over the long term.

Book a Consultation with a Private Cardiologist in London

If you have concerns about high blood pressure or have been diagnosed with hypertension, early intervention is key. Our team of experienced private cardiologists in London provides expert care, advanced diagnostics, and personalised treatment for hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions.

Call us today or book your consultation online to take control of your heart health.