No symptoms, checking risk.
Many pharmacies offer checks, and validated home monitors can provide a series of readings. Sit quietly and use the correct cuff size.
Read NHS test guidanceHomeTreatmentsBlood pressure
Blood pressure · GP care
Make the readings useful. See the risk in context.
High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms, so reliable measurements matter. A GP can review home readings, cardiovascular risk, medicines and whether monitoring or treatment needs to change.
One high reading does not usually confirm hypertension. Diagnosis often uses repeat clinic readings, home measurements or a 24-hour monitor.
Choose a suitable route
Choose the right starting point.
A reliable series of readings supports routine review; acute chest or neurological symptoms need emergency care regardless of the number.
Repeatedly raised or treatment review.
Arrange a review for consistent high readings, medicine side effects, pregnancy planning or questions about your cardiovascular risk and targets.
Explore GP appointmentsChest, stroke or concerning symptoms.
Call 999 for persistent chest pain or stroke signs. Use NHS 111 for recurring headaches, blurred vision or intermittent chest pain.
Contact NHS 111NHS guidance usually considers clinic readings of 140/90 or higher, or home readings of 135/85 or higher, to be high—but diagnosis uses repeated measurements and clinical context.
Notice the pattern
What changes the next step.
Technique, timing and overall cardiovascular risk give a reading meaning.
Usually no symptoms
Most people cannot feel high blood pressure. Measuring it is the only reliable way to know.
Home versus clinic
Home thresholds are slightly lower, and a series of readings can reduce the effect of stress in a clinic.
Risk factors
Age, family history, ethnicity, salt, weight, smoking, alcohol, inactivity and long-term stress can contribute.
Associated conditions
Kidney disease, diabetes, sleep apnoea, pregnancy and some medicines can affect assessment and targets.
Do not repeatedly check every few minutes after one surprising result. Rest, repeat with good technique and seek advice based on the result and any symptoms.
A focused GP assessment
Confirm the pressure, then assess the person.
A GP can validate the pattern and combine it with heart, kidney and stroke risk to guide treatment.
Explore in-person GP care01
Check measurement quality.
Review monitor validation, cuff size, posture, rest time, timing and a structured morning-and-evening record.
02
Assess cardiovascular risk.
Consider age, family history, smoking, weight, cholesterol, diabetes, kidney disease and previous heart or stroke problems.
03
Plan tests and treatment.
Blood and urine tests, an ECG, lifestyle support or medicine may be recommended depending on confirmed readings and risk.
A proportionate plan
Lower long-term risk with measured changes.
Small sustained reductions can protect the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes.
01
Lifestyle foundations
Reduce excess salt, exercise regularly, work toward a healthy weight, stop smoking and keep alcohol within recommended limits.
02
Medicine when indicated
A clinician may recommend one or more medicines based on pressure, age, ethnicity, other conditions and potential side effects.
03
Monitor and refine
Regular readings and blood tests may be needed to assess response, kidney function and medicine safety.
Do not stop blood-pressure medicine because a home reading improves; the treatment may be why it is controlled. Discuss side effects or low readings with a clinician.
Prepare for a useful review
Bring a structured home-reading record.
If advised, record two readings morning and evening over several days, one minute apart, after sitting quietly. Note the monitor model and cuff size.
Bring your medicines, side effects and recent cholesterol, kidney or diabetes results. Mention pregnancy, snoring, stimulant or decongestant use and family heart or stroke history.
Explore GP appointments ↗Good to know
Questions about blood pressure.
Practical answers to help you choose a sensible next step without trying to diagnose the concern yourself.
What counts as high blood pressure?
NHS guidance usually uses 140/90 or higher in a clinic and 135/85 or higher at home. Diagnosis normally requires repeat or ambulatory readings.
Can I feel when my blood pressure is high?
Usually not. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, which is why accurate measurement and follow-up matter.
How should I take a home reading?
Use a validated upper-arm monitor with the correct cuff, sit quietly with feet supported and arm at heart level, and follow the monitoring plan you were given.
Should I stop medicine if readings are normal?
No. Normal readings may show that treatment is working. Discuss changes or side effects with a clinician rather than stopping treatment yourself.
Clinical information: NHS high blood pressureNHS blood-pressure testNHS stroke symptoms. This information is general and does not replace individual medical advice.