High Blood Pressure and the Hidden Risk of Stroke

The medical term for high blood pressure is hypertension. It simply means the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries is consistently higher than it should be. Over time, this puts strain on the blood vessels and the heart. In terms of stroke, it can cause the small blood vessels in the brain to weaken and eventually burst, or speed up the build-up of fatty deposits that block blood flow to the brain altogether.

High blood pressure rarely has symptoms. Encourage regular checks with the GP or pharmacy.

Some people notice occasional headaches or feel flushed, but these are not reliable indicators and are often put down to something else entirely. Many people live with raised blood pressure for years, feeling perfectly well throughout. That is precisely what makes it worth checking, particularly as people get older, when blood pressure tends to rise naturally even without any other risk factors.

Several things contribute to raised blood pressure, and some are particularly common in later life.

Salt plays a bigger role than many people expect. If your relative adds salt to most meals, or eats a lot of tinned or processed food, it is worth checking labels together. Anything over 1.5g of salt per 100g is considered high. Switching to herbs, lemon juice or spices for flavour, and choosing lower-salt versions of staples like soup, baked beans and stock cubes, are changes that add up over time.

Being less active also pushes readings higher. Regular gentle movement, even a daily walk to the end of the road, time tending to the garden, or some simple chair-based exercises at home, helps keep blood pressure in a healthier range. It does not have to be strenuous to make a difference.

Alcohol raises blood pressure, and the effect is more pronounced in older adults. If your relative drinks most days, this is worth mentioning to the GP at their next appointment, without any need for drama.

Ongoing stress or broken sleep can push readings up too. These are harder to address directly, but worth noting if your relative has been through a difficult period recently.

Weight is another factor, particularly if it has increased around the middle in recent years. Even modest, gradual changes to eating habits can help, and the GP can advise on realistic targets.

Finding out that blood pressure is raised is not a crisis. It is useful information, and it is very manageable. The GP will usually want to take a few more readings before deciding on next steps. For some people, lifestyle changes bring readings down without anything further. For others, medication is recommended alongside those changes, and it tends to work well.

If your relative is already taking blood pressure medication, the most important thing is that they take it consistently and attend their follow-up appointments. Stopping suddenly or skipping doses can cause an unexpected spike. If they are experiencing side effects or are unclear about why they are taking something, a pharmacist can explain it clearly, check for interactions with other medicines, and discuss alternatives with them. Pharmacists are an excellent and often underused resource for exactly this kind of question.

The Stroke Association’s website has further information on blood pressure and stroke prevention, including details on the support available after a stroke.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure to watch out for?

High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms at all, which is why it is sometimes called a silent condition. Some people occasionally experience headaches or feel flushed, but these are not reliable signs. The only way to know whether blood pressure is raised is to have it checked by a GP, practice nurse or pharmacist.

How often should an older person have their blood pressure checked?

The NHS recommends that adults over 40 have their blood pressure checked at least every five years, and more frequently if previous readings have been raised or if they have a long-term condition such as diabetes. Many GP surgeries include blood pressure checks as part of routine reviews. Pharmacies also offer checks without an appointment.

Can high blood pressure be treated without medication?

For some people with mildly raised blood pressure, lifestyle changes alone, such as reducing salt, being more active and limiting alcohol, can bring readings down. For others, medication is recommended alongside these changes and is generally very effective. The GP is the right person to advise on which approach is suitable, based on your relative’s full health picture.