Why it matters
Hypertension is the leading preventable cause of stroke and a major driver of heart attack, kidney failure and cognitive decline. Most hypertensive patients are unaware or poorly controlled.
Measuring blood pressure properly
The HAS recommends the rule of 3 to confirm a diagnosis:
- 3 morning + 3 evening readings, over 3 consecutive days.
- At rest, seated for 5 minutes, arm at heart level.
- With a validated monitor (official list available).
Normal in-clinic: < 140/90 mmHg. At home: < 135/85 mmHg.
The 5 non-drug levers
- Cut salt: aim < 6 g/day (one teaspoon). Watch bread, deli meats, cheese, ready meals.
- Physical activity: 30 min brisk walking 5×/week can drop pressure by 5-8 mmHg.
- Lose weight if BMI > 25: each kg lost ≈ 1 mmHg off.
- Limit alcohol: ≤ 10 drinks/week, with alcohol-free days.
- Sleep & stress: 7-8 hours of sleep, treat sleep apnoea if suspected.
When to seek urgent care
- Repeat readings > 180/110 mmHg.
- Severe headache, visual disturbance, chest pain, unusual breathlessness.
Ask CureIQ
“Are my blood-pressure numbers concerning?” — CureIQ checks your readings against HAS/ESC thresholds and tells you whether to seek a consultation.