High Blood Pressure: The Silent Killer

High blood pressure is very common — and most people don’t even realise they have it.

That’s because it rarely causes symptoms. You can feel completely well and still have high blood pressure, which is why it’s often called the “silent killer”.

What is high blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. When it stays consistently high, it puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. Over time, this increases your risk of serious conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and kidney problems.

What are the symptoms?

This is the key issue — most people have no symptoms at all.

Some people may notice headaches, dizziness or blurred vision, but these are not reliable signs. The only way to know for sure is to check your blood pressure.

What is a normal blood pressure reading?

Blood pressure is measured using two numbers, for example 120/80. The top number is the pressure when your heart pumps, and the bottom number is the pressure when your heart rests. As a general guide, a reading around 120/80 is considered normal, while 140/90 or higher may indicate high blood pressure.

Why does it matter?

Because it develops quietly, high blood pressure can go unnoticed for years.

During that time, it can damage your body without you realising. That’s why early detection is so important.

How can you check your blood pressure?

Checking your blood pressure is quick, simple and painless. At Millers Pharmacy, we offer free blood pressure checks — no appointment needed. It takes just a few minutes and can give you a clear idea of where you stand.

What happens if your reading is high?

If your reading is high, we’ll explain what it means and what to do next.

In most cases, this involves a follow-up with your GP, who may arrange a 24-hour blood pressure monitor (ABPM). This helps confirm whether your blood pressure is consistently raised.

A single high reading doesn’t always mean you have high blood pressure, which is why further monitoring is important.

What can you do about it?

Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to blood pressure. Staying active, reducing salt, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol can all help keep it under control. The challenge is that high blood pressure doesn’t usually make you feel unwell, which is why it often goes unnoticed.

Getting it checked is one of the simplest things you can do for your long-term health. If you haven’t had yours checked recently, pop into your local Millers Pharmacy — it only takes a few minutes and could make a real difference.

Book a Blood Pressure Consultation

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