Public in the dark on high blood pressure, despite it being leading cause of heart attacks and strokes

Fewer than half of Britons know what hypertension is, despite it being a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes, according to a new health survey. The research shows that about one in three adults in the United Kingdom has high blood pressure, a condition that raises the risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and dementia. Yet many people remain unaware of the condition, its silent nature and the steps that can reduce harm.

The study, conducted among 20,000 adults by Hilo, a manufacturer of blood pressure monitors, found that roughly 16 million UK adults have high blood pressure. Alarmingly, as many as half of those with the condition are not receiving effective treatment, and up to five million are believed to be undiagnosed. The findings also highlight a troubling trend: rates are rising among younger people, with an estimated 170,000 individuals aged 16 to 24 living with undiagnosed hypertension. The condition’s lack of symptoms means many people learn of the problem only after serious damage has occurred.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries remains consistently too high. Over time, this can damage arteries and restrict blood flow, increasing the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and dementia. Because it often presents no symptoms, many people go undiagnosed until organ damage becomes evident. Early detection and management can markedly reduce the risk of serious outcomes, underscoring the importance of routine blood pressure checks.

Experts say that improving public awareness is a critical first step. The study found that nearly 40 percent of young adults incorrectly believe the condition has obvious symptoms, which contributes to delays in checking blood pressure. Health officials emphasize that screening can be integrated into regular medical visits and community health programs, and that home monitoring can empower individuals to take timely action.

Dr. Zoe Williams, a London GP who spoke about the findings, stressed that hypertension should be approached as a controllable health issue rather than a source of fear. “Hypertension isn’t something to be scared of – it’s something to be aware of,” she said. “When people know their numbers, they are enabled to make healthier choices.” Williams added that improving awareness across all communities would help people take small, everyday steps sooner, potentially preventing a large portion of heart disease before it starts.

Lifestyle measures remain foundational in managing high blood pressure. Healthcare professionals commonly recommend moderating alcohol intake, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and following heart-healthy dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet. While medications can be necessary for many, research published by agencies and health bodies consistently shows that behavioral changes can meaningfully lower blood pressure and reduce long-term risk when started early.

In the broader public health context, organizations such as the British Heart Foundation estimate that about 16 million people in the UK have high blood pressure. Of those, up to half are not receiving effective treatment, and as many as five million are believed to be undiagnosed. Advocates say these figures signal a need for expanded screening, easier access to treatment, and stronger public education campaigns that reach diverse communities and age groups. The goal is to normalize blood pressure checks as a routine health habit and to ensure high-risk groups are identified before damage occurs.

The new findings come as health systems seek to curb the growing burden of cardiovascular disease. Early detection provides a window for intervention that can prevent heart attacks and strokes, but awareness gaps and uneven access to care remain barriers. Health professionals urge individuals to have their blood pressure checked regularly, particularly if they are in age groups or have risk factors associated with elevated pressure, such as obesity, a family history of hypertension, or a sedentary lifestyle. Regular screening, combined with targeted education and accessible treatment options, could reduce the number of people living with undiagnosed or undertreated hypertension in the years ahead.