Why it matters

Sustained high pressure puts strain on blood vessels and organs. It increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney problems. Hypertension often has no symptoms, so feeling well does not rule it out.

Why your doctor may ask for more readings

Stress, activity and measurement technique can affect a result. A clinician may use a home series or a 24-hour monitor to establish your usual pressure. Tell them whether a result was a single reading or an average; your own target may differ with age, medicines or other conditions.

A MANAGEABLE NEXT STEP

What you can do today.

  1. Keep a record of readings, dates and how they were taken. Ask about a suitable upper-arm monitor and cuff size.
  2. For a repeat reading, sit quietly, support your arm and follow your monitor’s instructions. If your doctor requests a home series, follow their measurement schedule.
  3. Choose a manageable habit: less salty food, less alcohol or regular activity appropriate for your health. Do not change medicines yourself.

What to discuss with your doctor.

  • Do I need home readings or a 24-hour monitor?
  • What is my personal target, and when should we review it?
  • Would medicines help alongside lifestyle changes?

When to seek help.

If a reading is at least 180 systolic OR 120 diastolic, sit quietly for 5 minutes and repeat. If it remains that high, seek urgent medical advice today. With chest pain, severe breathlessness, confusion or new weakness, call 112 or your local emergency number immediately; do not wait to repeat. During pregnancy or within six weeks after birth, 160 systolic OR 110 diastolic needs immediate maternity assessment; at 140 OR 90, contact the maternity team today.

Sources & context.

  1. NHS: high blood pressure
  2. NICE: assessment and confirmation of hypertension
  3. NICE: hypertension in pregnancy

Sources checked: 2 October 2026. General adult health education, informed by the linked guidance. Individual circumstances and local recommendations can change what is appropriate. This page is not monitored and does not provide a medical consultation.

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