ISH is raising awareness of high blood pressure (hypertension) and the fact that it is a major and growing public health problem.

What is hypertension

Hypertension is high blood pressure.  It is a growing problem, not only in the UK but worldwide. Hypertension is also a growing concern, especially as untreated high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke or kidney failure.

What is high blood pressure?

Hypertension is defined as blood pressure higher than 140 over 90 mmHg. It is assessed using a  non-invasive device called a sphygmomamometer. In most cases, a cuff is placed around the top of the patient’s arm which inflates and measures the force on the walls of the arteries as blood is pumped around the body.

What causes hypertension?

Hypertension can be caused by a number of factors including diet, stress and anxiety, and age. High blood pressure can be an indication of an underlying health condition and can be dangerous if left untreated

Symptoms

Hypertension can cause the following symptoms;

• headaches
• dizziness
• light-headedness
• nausea
• blurred vision
• shortness of breath

In the worst cases it can cause;

• nosebleeds
• persistent headaches
• blackouts

Nikki Yavari

High blood pressure can affect people of all ages but most commonly affects adults over the age of 20 years.  It can be treated with anti-hypertensive medication that reduces blood pressure, thereby minimising the risk of serious ill health.

If you have been affected by high blood pressure that you feel has has been missed by your medical team, please contact us to discuss your concerns.

By Nikki Yavari, medical negligence solicitor