Blood Pressure UK

29/05/2026

I’m a doctor — these are 4 lesser-known signs of 'silent killer' high blood pressure, says Dr Pauline Swift as she highlights the symptoms that should trigger a health check.

EXCLUSIVE: Dr Pauline Swift highlighted symptoms that should trigger a health check.

26/05/2026

Keep cool and keep hydrated during the heat wave 🤗

22/05/2026

☀️ Hot weather and blood pressure: take care this Bank Holiday weekend

With an extra warm few days ahead, it’s a good time to look after your heart health.

Hot weather can affect blood pressure, especially if you become dehydrated or take certain medicines, including some blood pressure tablets or water tablets.

Simple steps can help:

💧 Drink water regularly
🌤 Stay out of the strongest sun, especially between 11am and 3pm
🧢 Keep cool with shade, loose clothing and a hat
🏃 Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day
👥 Check in on older relatives, neighbours and anyone with heart, kidney or blood pressure conditions
📈 If you monitor your blood pressure at home, keep an eye on your readings

Do not stop or change your medication without speaking to a health professional.

Enjoy the sunshine, but take the heat seriously.

17/05/2026

High blood pressure rarely has obvious warning signs, but it can seriously increase your risk of stroke, heart disease, kidney disease and other health problems.

This World Hypertension Day, 17 May, we’re encouraging everyone to take a simple but powerful step: check your blood pressure and know your numbers.

It only takes a few minutes, but it could make a life-changing difference. You can also help by reminding someone you care about to get checked too.

Because when it comes to high blood pressure, knowing your numbers could save your life.

14/05/2026

High-intensity interval training, known as HIIT, could help people with high blood pressure achieve healthier levels, new research suggests.

The study found that both HIIT and combined training can help reduce blood pressure, while also reinforcing the benefits of aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, cycling and swimming.

The message is clear: regular movement matters. Whether it’s short bursts of higher intensity exercise or steady aerobic activity, being active can play an important role in managing blood pressure.

Always speak to your GP or healthcare professional before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you have high blood pressure or other health conditions.

Experts say findings reinforce the ‘important role’ exercise plays in managing high blood pressure

13/05/2026

Some of the UK’s most popular sandwiches are loaded with dangerously high levels of hidden salt, with one containing more than an adult’s entire maximum daily limit in a single serving, putting many at health risk.

The research, released today by Action on Salt based Queen Mary University of London has prompted calls for the Government to reprioritise public health and put salt reduction back on the prevention agenda

Dr Pauline Swift, Consultant Nephrologist and Chair of Action on Salt & Sugar and Blood Pressure UK says:

“Salt reduction is one of the quickest, cheapest and most effective ways to improve public health, yet progress has stalled. Too much salt drives up blood pressure, one of the biggest causes of preventable strokes, heart disease and kidney disease. People should not be exposed to a hidden health risk every time they buy lunch. Ministers need to stop relying on voluntary promises and start taking prevention more seriously.”

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/uk-sandwiches-salt-gails-action-salt-b2975120.html #

546 sandwiches, wraps, rolls, and baguettes sold across supermarkets and high street chains were analysed

08/05/2026

Everyone at Blood Pressure UK would like to wish our wonderful Patron, Sir David Attenborough, a very happy 100th birthday.

Sir David has supported Blood Pressure UK since 2005, helping us raise awareness of the importance of knowing your blood pressure and preventing the tragedy of avoidable strokes, heart attacks and kidney disease.

As he has said: “Keeping an eye on your blood pressure is one of the most important things you can do if you want to stay fit and healthy.”

Happy birthday, Sir David, and thank you for your continued

07/05/2026

For people with heart problems, reducing salt is especially important because it helps lower blood pressure, one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Cutting sugary foods and drinks can also help reduce excess calorie intake and the risk of weight gain and type 2 diabetes, says Action on Sugar

‘Clinical consensus statement’ also urges heart doctors to advise patients to not eat late at night, and chew slowly

04/05/2026

We all know too much salt is bad news for our blood pressure.

But recent studies suggest excess salt may affect far more than our hearts, with links to skin problems, poor sleep, low mood and aching joints.

Action on Salt speaks to The Times and The Sunday Times about why cutting back matters more than ever.

We know it’s bad for our blood pressure, but the latest science shows overconsumption can permanently damage memory

30/04/2026

Blood Pressure UK welcomes the news that the UK has become the first country in Europe to pass a law phasing out the sale of to***co to the next generation.

Anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will never legally be sold to***co.

Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. It also damages blood vessels and can contribute to higher blood pressure, putting extra strain on the heart.

This landmark law will help protect millions of young people from a lifetime of addiction. But we must also support people who currently smoke to quit, helping more people live longer, healthier lives.

A smokefree future is good news for blood pressure, heart health and public health.

Rishi Sunak, who introduced the legislation during his tenure at Number 10, said that the To***co and Vapes Act will save thousands of lives.