Understanding Hypertension: The Silent Killer – And How We Can Help
High blood pressure affects 1 in 4 adults in the UK – but many people don’t even realise they have it. That’s why it’s often called the “silent killer.” If left untreated, high blood pressure significantly increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and dementia.
At Niva Medical Clinic in Stanmore, we offer private GP services, blood pressure checks, and cardiovascular screening to help you take control of your health — whether you live in Harrow, Edgware, Wembley, Bushey, Watford, or Northwood.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
Hypertension means that the pressure of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. Over time, this causes the heart to work harder and damages blood vessels.
- Normal blood pressure: below 120/80 mmHg
- High blood pressure: consistently 140/90 mmHg or higher (or 135/85 at home)
Why it matters: High blood pressure rarely causes noticeable symptoms, but it silently damages your heart, brain, kidneys and eyes.
🔗 NHS – High blood pressure (hypertension)
🔗 British Heart Foundation – What is high blood pressure?
Why Is It Called the “Silent Killer”?
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms – until a serious event like:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Aneurysm
- Kidney failure
That’s why routine screening is vital, especially if you are over 40 or have other risk factors.
🔗 World Health Organization – Hypertension facts
Stages of Hypertension
| Category | Systolic (mmHg) | Diastolic (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | <120 | <80 |
| Elevated (Pre-hypertension) | 120–129 | <80 |
| Stage 1 Hypertension | 130–139 | 80–89 |
| Stage 2 Hypertension | ≥140 | ≥90 |
| Hypertensive Crisis | ≥180 | ≥120 |
Note: Diagnosis is based on multiple readings over time – not just one result.
🔗 NICE Hypertension Guidelines – NG136
Causes and Risk Factors of High Blood Pressure
Hypertension may develop with no clear cause (primary hypertension), or it may be linked to underlying conditions (secondary hypertension).
Common Risk Factors:
- Age over 40
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Being overweight or obese
- Lack of physical activity
- Excess salt in the diet
- Smoking or excessive alcohol use
- Stress and poor sleep
- Conditions like diabetes or kidney disease
Diet and Lifestyle Advice for Healthy Blood Pressure
Managing your lifestyle is the first-line treatment for many patients.
1. Reduce Salt Intake
- Aim for less than 6g of salt per day (about 1 teaspoon)
- Read food labels: processed foods are major hidden sources
2. Eat a DASH-Friendly Diet
- DASH = Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension
- Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts
- Reduce red meats and high-fat dairy
3. Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking
- Keep alcohol to no more than 14 units per week
- Smoking hardens arteries and raises your blood pressure
4. Exercise Regularly
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week
- Walking, cycling, swimming, and strength training all help
🔗 NHS – Exercise and high blood pressure
Why Screening Matters – Even If You Feel Fine
Because high blood pressure is symptomless, routine checks are the only way to know your numbers. At Niva Medical Clinic, we offer:
- Same-day GP appointments
- In-clinic and home BP monitoring
- 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM)
- Cardiovascular health checks and blood tests
- Personalised plans to lower your blood pressure and reduce long-term risk
If you’re over 40 or have any risk factors, book a screening today.
How Niva Medical Clinic Can Help with High Blood Pressure
Our experienced GPs offer personalised, fast-access care including:
Blood Pressure Checks
- Accurate in-clinic readings
- Home or 24-hour monitors available
Full Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
- ECGs, cholesterol, kidney function, diabetes testing
- Lifestyle review and medication advice
Personalised Lifestyle Medicine
- Weight loss and exercise planning
- Support to quit smoking or reduce alcohol
- Stress and sleep management
We serve patients from Stanmore, Harrow, Edgware, Wembley, Bushey, Watford, Northwood, and surrounding areas.
Book a Blood Pressure Check Today
Don’t wait until high blood pressure causes damage.
✅ Same-day private GP appointments
✅ Full screening and results fast
✅ Support for diet, medication and prevention
📍 Visit us in Stanmore
📞 Call us on 020 8865 1938
💻 Book online: https://nivamedicalclinic.co.uk/book-online/
