High Blood Pressure: Silent Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

08 Oct 2025

High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called the “silent killer” because it rarely causes obvious symptoms until it becomes serious. Yet, left untreated, it significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and other health problems.

The good news is that high blood pressure can be easily detected and managed, but only if you know to check for it.

Why Blood Pressure Matters

Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against artery walls. When it’s too high over time, it puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels. Most adults should aim for a reading below 140/90 mmHg, though in some cases doctors may recommend even lower targets.

Silent Nature of Hypertension

Unlike many conditions, high blood pressure often causes no warning signs. That’s why many people only discover it during a routine health check.

However, in some cases, very high blood pressure can trigger subtle symptoms, such as:

• Persistent headaches
• Blurred vision
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds
• Dizziness

These signs don’t appear in everyone, so relying on symptoms alone can be risky.

Who is most at Risk?

Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing high blood pressure, including:

• Family history of hypertension
• Being overweight
• A diet high in salt
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Smoking
• Lack of regular exercise
• Stress
• Getting older

Because risks build up silently, regular monitoring is key.

When to Seek Medical Advice

You should see a doctor if:

• You’ve never had your blood pressure checked as an adult
• You’re experiencing symptoms like persistent headaches or dizziness
• You have risk factors such as obesity, smoking, or family history
• You already know you have high blood pressure but haven’t had it reviewed recently

You can arrange a Private GP Appointment or Cardiovascular Screening at South Kensington Medical & Dental for same-day checks.

How High Blood Pressure is Diagnosed

Diagnosis is simple:

• Blood pressure measurement – Using a cuff in clinic or at home
• Blood and urine tests – To check for related risks like high cholesterol, diabetes, or kidney function
• Additional tests – ECG or heart scans if complications are suspected

Our clinic offers Blood Pressure Checks as part of routine Health Screening.

Taking Control of Your Blood Pressure

Managing high blood pressure often begins with lifestyle changes, such as:

• Eating a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains
• Reducing salt and alcohol intake
• Exercising regularly
• Managing stress
• Quitting smoking

In some cases, medication is also needed to bring blood pressure under control.

Final Thoughts

High blood pressure doesn’t always make itself known, which is why regular checks are essential. Detecting it early allows for simple changes and treatment that can prevent serious health problems later on.