CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
High blood pressure
- No.1 in the UK for private cardiac care
- Appointments in as little as 24 hours
- 99% of our cardiac patients would recommend us to friends and family
Jump to
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AT HCA HEALTHCARE UK
Why choose us?
We’re the UK’s No.1 for private cardiovascular care. Each year, more than 26,000 patients trust us with their heart health, more than any other UK provider. And of those patients, 99% say they’d recommend us to family and friends.
With consultant appointments within 24 hours, same-day tests and results within two working days, our specialist cardiovascular consultants and clinical teams offer personalised care based on your needs, helping you to live with greater confidence.
With consultant appointments within 24 hours, same-day tests and results within two working days, our specialist cardiovascular consultants and clinical teams offer personalised care based on your needs, helping you to live with greater confidence.
This common condition, also known as hypertension, affects more than a billion people worldwide. While it’s often entirely symptomless, it can have serious health complications. So, if you're diagnosed with high blood pressure, it’s important to get expert advice and treatment.
Your blood pressure naturally rises when blood is pumped out of your heart, and it lowers when your heart is at rest. That means that it’s normal for your blood pressure to increase and decrease during the day. It only becomes an issue if blood is pushed against the artery walls at a consistently high force during each heartbeat.
High blood pressure is the most common cause of cardiovascular disease. Your cardiologist can help you understand your own risk and offer you the most effective treatment, based on your health, lifestyle and any underlying conditions. Everything you need is available through our private network.
Patients often don’t have any symptoms, instead the condition is often picked up during a routine health check. Many people live with hypertension for many years without realising it.
However, if your blood pressure is extremely high, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Hypertension headaches
- Blurred or double vision
- Nosebleeds
- Shortness of breath
Experiencing these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you have hypertension, they can also be signs of other conditions. However, hypertension can lead to serious cardiac complications if left untreated, so it’s always best to get any concerning symptoms checked out.
Worried about your blood pressure?
If you're aged 40 or over, you should have your blood pressure regularly checked to lower the risk of serious cardiac conditions such as stroke, aneurysm, heart attack or blood clots.
If you have concerning symptoms or are worried that you might have high blood pressure, it's wise to see a GP. They can refer you on to a cardiologist if they discover something that they think needs a more thorough investigation. We offer same- and next-day GP appointments for peace of mind, at a time to suit you.
If you suddenly experience the signs of very high blood pressure, it's vital to seek emergency treatment. These symptoms can also be indicative of other health conditions, some of which are potentially serious. Signs you shouldn't ignore include:
- Chest pain that fails to subside after a few minutes
- Pain that radiates to other parts of the body such as the arm or jaw
- Trouble breathing
- Feeling dizzy
If any of these symptoms are persistent or severe, call 999 immediately.
At HCA UK, we offer same-day and next-day GP appointments, as well as a convenient, comprehensive heart health check service for peace of mind. Just get in touch.
Multiple factors can increase your chances of developing high blood pressure. Many of these are related to lifestyle:
- Your age (it's more common in people aged 60 or over)
- Being overweight
- Lack of physical activity
- Too much salt or high fat in your diet
- Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
- Smoking
- High stress
- Family history of hypertension
- An African-Caribbean or South Asian background
We can help you understand more about your personal risk. Get in touch to find out more.
Concerned about your blood pressure?
Get any persistent symptoms checked out.
26,000+
Cardiac patients treated every year
99%
Success rate across all cardiac surgery
200+
Cardiology consultants for you to choose from
Next-day appointments
See a specialist and get on the path to an expert diagnosis within 24 hours
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours
Wide-reaching expertise across the UK
Visit any one of 15 dedicated diagnostic centres in London, Manchester and Birmingham
Worried about your heart, but not sure what to do?
Get in touch and book a same or next-day GP appointment.
Have a referral and need to book?
Simply book a test, scan or treatment directly today.
Unsure of a diagnosis and need some advice?
Talk to a specialist and get the answers you’ve been looking for.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE TESTS AND SCANS AT HCA UK
Expert diagnosis, results you can trust
Sometimes high blood pressure can be a sign of underlying kidney issues, diabetes or pre-diabetes or heart disease. If you have high blood pressure, your cardiologist may recommend tests to rule out other conditions, depending on your specific symptoms, and medical history.
At HCA UK, you’ll have access to the latest testing and imaging technology, with results delivered in as little as 48 hours, so you can get the treatment you need, when you need it. Tests your cardiologist may recommend include:
At HCA UK, you’ll have access to the latest testing and imaging technology, with results delivered in as little as 48 hours, so you can get the treatment you need, when you need it. Tests your cardiologist may recommend include:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE TREATMENTS AT HCA UK
Expert advice and personalised care
If you have high blood pressure, our leading cardiovascular specialists will recommend the most effective treatment options for you, building a fully personalised treatment plan based on the severity of your condition and your overall health.
As well as getting expert advice on healthy lifestyle changes, you may be put on a course of hypertension medication. Some patients require minimally invasive surgery to lower their blood pressure, but with an outstanding 99% success rate across all cardiac surgery, you can be sure you’re in good hands.
The treatments we offer include:- Lifestyle changes
- Hypertension medication
- Endovascular Renal Denervation (ERD)
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
FAQs
Blood pressure is typically measured using a special monitor, including a cuff that fits and tightens around your upper arm, attached to a digital machine that detects your blood pressure measurements.
These are displayed as two numbers indicating millimetres of mercury (mmHg), as in the following example:
120/80 (clinically described as “120 over 80”)
The first number is the measurement of systolic pressure, created when the heart pushes blood around the body. The second number is the diastolic pressure, created when the heart is at rest between beats.
Normal blood pressure readings are typically between 90/60 and 120/80. If you have consistent blood pressure readings of 135/85 or above, you might be experiencing hypertension.
People with conditions such as diabetes, heart failure or coronary artery disease are at increased risk of serious complications if their blood pressure rises above 130/80.
Your cardiologist will explain your blood pressure reading in detail to help you understand what it means for your health.
At HCA UK, we’re ranked No.1 in the UK for private cardiovascular care and care for over 26,000 cardiovascular patients each year. If you're concerned about elevated blood pressure or want a check-up for peace of mind, we’re here to help.
Low blood pressure, also called hypotension, is diagnosed when your blood pressure reading is below 90/60mmHg.
While sometimes a measurement below the normal range is nothing to worry about, a very low blood pressure can be a sign of an underlying condition, infection, dehydration or an adverse reaction to certain medications. It’s always best to get it checked out.
It’s not clear - most people display no symptoms and have what is called primary hypertension with no underlying cause such as an adrenal tumour or some form of kidney disease.
Secondary hypertension is experienced by a small percentage of people and there’s usually one or more underlying factors involved, such as a health condition, certain medications or excessive alcohol use.
Secondary hypertension is experienced by a small percentage of people and there’s usually one or more underlying factors involved, such as a health condition, certain medications or excessive alcohol use.
In some cases, your consultant might recommend making healthy lifestyle changes alongside other treatments. These may include:
- Lowering your salt intake
- Eating a balanced diet
- Increasing activity
- Reducing your alcohol intake
- Losing weight
- Reducing your caffeine intake
- Quitting smoking
- Getting enough sleep
Your consultant may prescribe one of the following, or a combination of them:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors which relax the blood vessels, resulting in lower blood pressure
- Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs) which also relax blood vessels and are often used if ACE inhibitors are causing side effects
- Calcium channel blockers which widen the blood vessels, reducing your blood pressure.
- Diuretics which help to flush water and salt from the body - often used if you also have heart failure or side effects from taking calcium channel blockers
- Beta blockers which result in a lower, less forceful heartbeat, although are considered less effective than some other drugs so are less commonly used
Our patients' stories
A simple heart screening revealed Mahmoud’s tumour
At 55, Mahmoud had never felt fitter. The orthodontist from northwest London enjoyed daily exercise classes and a range of sports. It was only when a relative was diagnosed with cardiovascular disease that his wife suggested he arrange a routine heart health check-up.
Susan's journey to heart health
A family history of cardiac issues and annual check-ups unveiled a series of new conditions.
Kirti's heart rhythm story
How a life-changing cardiac procedure stopped Kirti worrying about her heart health. Kirti first felt a heart palpitation back in 2016 whilst out shopping. After delaying seeking specialist advice, she sought the expertise of Dr Mike Koa-Wing, Consultant Cardiologist at The Wellington Hospital, in 2020 after the palpations got worse. Here Kirti shares her story.
“Everyone I met was incredibly impressive, I felt so well looked after.”
Reviewed by
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.