Home Public & Patients High Blood Pressure Prevention Preventing High Blood Pressure: Take Control High blood pressure (hypertension) doesn’t just appear overnight. It builds slowly - often with no symptoms - silently increasing your risk of serious health problems like stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, and dementia. But the good news is that in most cases, high blood pressure can be prevented or delayed. And prevention starts with understanding your personal risk and making simple, sustainable changes. Text Text Why Prevention Matters Once blood pressure rises, it rarely goes back down without intervention. The earlier you act, the more control you have - and the more years of healthy life you can protect. That’s why BIHS is calling for blood pressure to be checked as routinely as brushing your teeth - at home, at the pharmacy, in the workplace, and beyond. Your numbers today can shape your future tomorrow. Text Text Know Your Risk Factors You’re more likely to develop high blood pressure if you: Have a family history of hypertension or stroke Are overweight or physically inactive Have a high-salt or ultra-processed diet Are regularly stressed or have poor sleep Drink too much alcohol Are of Black African, African-Caribbean or South Asian heritage Are over 40 - though it can start younger What You Can Do Small changes make a big difference. To reduce your risk: ✅ Check your blood pressure regularly – know your numbers 🍽️ Reduce salt and processed foods in your diet ⚖️ Maintain a healthy weight 🥦 Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables 🚶 Stay active – aim for 30 minutes a day 🧘 Manage stress 🛑 Stop smoking and cut down on alcohol Card Title Card Text Card Title Card Text Managing High Blood Pressure: Secondary Prevention That Puts You in Control If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension), you're not alone and you're not powerless. The key now is secondary prevention: taking steps to control your blood pressure, protect your organs, and prevent further complications. Unchecked high blood pressure can damage your heart, brain, kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels - even if you feel fine. But with the right actions, you can live a long, healthy life and reduce your risk of serious illness. Text Text What is Secondary Prevention? Secondary prevention means stopping high blood pressure from getting worse and preventing related health problems like: Chronic kidney disease Diabetes Heart attack or heart failure Stroke or vascular dementia Vision loss Complications from diabetes or pregnancy Text Text What Steps You Can Take Now Managing high blood pressure is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. Take your medication every day Even if you feel well, your medicines are working behind the scenes to reduce risk. Never stop without medical advice. Check your blood pressure regularly Home monitoring helps you and your health practitioner see what’s working and what’s not. Use a BIHS-approved device for accuracy. Make healthy lifestyle choices Cut back on salt and processed foods Card Title Card Text Be physically active most days Lose weight if needed - even 5–10% makes a big difference Reduce alcohol and stop smoking Prioritise sleep and manage stress Work with your healthcare team Regular reviews with your GP, nurse, or pharmacist help adjust your treatment and keep you on track Card Title Card Text You have the Power High blood pressure doesn’t have to control your life - you can control it.And every healthy choice you make lowers your risk of future problems. Know your numbers. Prevention is power. Text Text
