High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that affects millions of people in the UK. Many people have high blood pressure without realising it, as it often causes no obvious symptoms — yet it significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious medical emergencies.

For first aiders, understanding what high blood pressure is, how it may present, and when to seek urgent help is essential.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. It’s measured using two numbers:

• Systolic (top number) – pressure when the heart beats
• Diastolic (bottom number) – pressure when the heart rests between beats

In adults:

• Normal blood pressure is around 120/80 mmHg
• High blood pressure is usually diagnosed at 140/90 mmHg or higher but there are many factors, a single reading of this can be caused by many things. When you last ate, what you have eaten or drunk, what have you just been doing.

Common Signs and Symptoms

High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because many people experience no symptoms at all.

When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Blurred vision
• Nosebleeds
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort

These symptoms can also indicate other serious conditions and should never be ignored.

When High Blood Pressure Becomes an Emergency

A hypertensive crisis occurs when blood pressure rises very high and begins to affect vital organs.

Call 999 immediately if someone has high blood pressure and shows signs of:

• Chest pain
• Severe headache with confusion
• Difficulty speaking
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Sudden vision loss
• Collapse or loss of consciousness

These may indicate stroke or heart attack.

What Should a First Aider Do?

If someone reports high blood pressure or appears unwell:

1. Stay calm and reassure them
2. Sit them down comfortably – upright, not lying flat
3. Encourage slow, steady breathing
4. Do not give medication unless it is their own and they are prescribed it
5. Monitor their condition
6. Call 999 or 111 depending on symptoms

Do not attempt to lower blood pressure rapidly unless instructed by medical professionals.

Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure

• Stress and anxiety
• Smoking
• Poor diet (high salt intake)
• Lack of physical activity
• Obesity
• Excess alcohol
• Family history

Preventing High Blood Pressure

While first aiders don’t diagnose hypertension, awareness helps with prevention:

• Encourage regular health checks
• Promote healthy lifestyle choices
• Support workplace wellbeing initiatives

Learn More

At DAC Education, our HSE-compliant, accredited first aid and workplace wellbeing courses help staff recognise medical emergencies, respond appropriately, and understand long-term health conditions that may affect colleagues at work.

We deliver hands-on training in Suffolk and across the UK, building confidence to act when it matters most.

Disclaimer:
This article provides general first aid information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek medical assessment for concerns about blood pressure.