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Understanding Blood Pressure
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Understanding Blood Pressure: It Matters More Than You Think

Blood pressure is one of the most powerful indicators of your health - yet it’s often overlooked. At the British and Irish Hypertension Society (BIHS), we believe that knowing and managing your blood pressure should be as routine as brushing your teeth.
It’s quick, simple, and gives you real insight into your body’s wellbeing long before symptoms appear.

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing through your arteries as your heart beats. It’s measured with two numbers:
Systolic pressure (top number): pressure when your heart beats
Diastolic pressure (bottom number): pressure when your heart rests between beats
A healthy reading is around 120/80 mmHg.
Consistently high readings (usually 140/90 mmHg or above) mean you have high blood pressure (hypertension) — a condition that can damage your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes over time.

Why it is so important

High blood pressure often has no warning signs — but it’s one of the biggest risk factors for:
  • Heart attacks and strokes
  • Dementia and cognitive decline
  • Kidney disease and sight loss
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Diabetes and obesity-related complications
The only way to know your blood pressure is to measure it. And once you know it, you can manage it - and dramatically reduce your risk of serious illness.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                  

Prevention is Power

We believe measuring your blood pressure should be part of everyday life - in your home, at the pharmacy, in the workplace, as well as part of routine health checks.
Whether you're 25 or 75, managing your blood pressure is one of the most empowering things you can do for your long-term health. It helps you:
  • Understand your body
  • Spot early changes before symptoms appear
  • Take action that can prevent chronic disease
  • Stay healthier, stronger, and more in control of your future

    Take the First Step

    🛒 Find a validated BP monitor approved by BIHS
    🏠 Learn how to check your blood pressure at home
    ✅ Know your risk and how to reduce it

    Know your numbers. Your health matters. Prevention is Power.

    Blood Pressure: Patient Diaries

    Use these printable or fillable diaries to record your blood pressure at home or during a 24-hour ambulatory test. Take your completed diary to your appointment.

    Home Blood Pressure Diary (7 days)

    • Measure morning and evening for 7 days. Take ≥2 readings each time, 1 minute apart.
    • Use a validated upper-arm monitor and a cuff that fits.
    • Sit quietly for 5 minutes, arm supported at heart level, feet flat, and don't talk.
    Download Home BP Diary

     

    24 hour ABPM Patient Diary 

    While wearing the monitor, note your activities and symptoms when the cuff inflates. Record sleep and wake times and any medicines taken.
    Download ABPM Diary
     

    What blood pressure should I aim for?

    Your clinician will set a target that’s right for you. Many adults are advised to aim for < 130/80 mmHg or as low as reasonably achievable without troublesome side-effects.