High Blood Pressure

2 April 2025

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other serious health complications.

At The New Foscote Hospital, our expert team provides comprehensive blood pressure assessments, advanced diagnostics, and personalised treatment plans to help you manage your health and reduce long-term risks.

Understanding High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and consists of two numbers:

Systolic pressure – The force of blood when your heart beats
Diastolic pressure – The force of blood when your heart rests between beats

A normal reading is below 120/80 mmHg, while hypertension is typically diagnosed when readings consistently exceed 140/90 mmHg (or 130/80 mmHg for individuals with diabetes or kidney disease).

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it may not cause noticeable symptoms until serious complications develop. However, some people experience:

Headaches – Especially in the morning
Dizziness or blurred vision
Shortness of breath
Chest pain or palpitations
Nosebleeds
Fatigue or confusion

Regular blood pressure checks are essential for early detection and prevention of complications.

Causes & Risk Factors

Several factors contribute to high blood pressure, including:

Unhealthy diet – Excess salt, processed foods, and low fruit/vegetable intake
Lack of physical activity – Sedentary lifestyle weakens heart function
Obesity – Extra weight increases strain on the heart
Smoking & alcohol consumption – Can raise blood pressure levels
Stress – Chronic stress contributes to long-term hypertension
Family history – Genetic predisposition to high blood pressure
Chronic conditions – Diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea can increase risk

Understanding and addressing these risk factors is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

Diagnosing High Blood Pressure

We offer comprehensive blood pressure monitoring and cardiovascular assessments, including:

24-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) – Tracks blood pressure over a full day
Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Assesses heart function and detects abnormalities
Echocardiogram – Uses ultrasound to evaluate heart structure
Blood Tests – Measures cholesterol, kidney function, and other cardiovascular risk markers
Lifestyle & Risk Assessments – Evaluating diet, stress, and lifestyle factors affecting blood pressure

Regular monitoring and early intervention can prevent complications and support long-term heart health.

Treatment Options for High Blood Pressure

At The New Foscote Hospital, we take a patient-centred approach to managing hypertension, offering:

Lifestyle changes – Tailored advice on diet, exercise, and stress management
Medication management – If necessary, prescribed treatments to lower blood pressure
Weight management programmes – Helping to reduce cardiovascular risk
Smoking cessation support – To improve heart and lung health
Ongoing monitoring – Regular check-ups to ensure blood pressure remains under control

By personalising treatment, we help patients effectively manage their blood pressure and reduce health risks.

Arranging To Visit A Private GP

If you are concerned about high blood pressure or cardiovascular health, our private GP service provides expert assessment and referrals for further specialist care.

Same-day & next-day appointments available
No need to be registered with the hospital
30-minute private GP consultation: £100
Insurance billing available
Referrals for further tests & cardiology consultations

Taking proactive steps now can protect your heart and long-term health.

Our Resident Private GP’s

Our Private GP’s welcoming and highly experienced. They offer patients sound diagnosis and treatment, along with individual care focused on their future health.