This article explains high blood pressure, how blood pressure is measured and ways it may be managed, drawing on guidance from WHO and the NHS. Diagnosis and treatment depend on the person and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the blood vessels and is reported as an upper and a lower number. WHO generally classifies readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher as high; diagnosis considers high readings repeated on different days. A headache or one reading alone does not establish a diagnosis, because many people with high blood pressure feel no unusual symptoms.
Measure it in a way that supports assessment
Rest while seated, support your arm and use the cuff according to the monitor’s instructions. The NHS notes that a healthcare professional may repeat a measurement to make sure the result is accurate. If you have been advised to measure at home, record the readings for the number of days your healthcare professional specifies. Guidance and thresholds may vary by country and health context, so a professional should interpret the results alongside your history and risk factors.
Everyday care without changing medication on your own
WHO guidance says reducing salty foods, increasing physical activity and managing risk factors can help with blood pressure management. Some people also need medication. Treatment plans and targets differ from person to person. Do not stop or increase prescribed medication, or replace it with supplements, because of a video or a single measurement.
When to seek medical help promptly
If repeated readings are high, take the record to a healthcare service for assessment and a care plan; do not wait for symptoms before getting checked. Seek emergency help immediately for severe symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, a change in vision or signs that may resemble a stroke.
This is general information. It is not an individual diagnosis or treatment instruction.
Original video
Watch the original video cited with this article: Open on YouTube.
Sources used for this overview
- WHO: Hypertension (25 September 2025)
- NHS: Blood pressure test
- WHO: Sodium reduction (11 May 2026)
- WHO: Guideline for the pharmacological treatment of hypertension in adults
Original video: Watch the source video on YouTube.