The blood circulation is a closed system in which the pressure varies constantly. It rises to a peak (called the systolic pressure) at the height of the contraction of each heartbeat as the heart pumps blood out. Then it falls to a lower level (called the diastolic pressure), which it reaches just before each heartbeat. The diastolic pressure is the running pressure between beats.

In addition to the variations within this cycle, blood pressure varies constantly with the level of physical exertion, anxiety, stress, emotional changes and other factors. So single measurements are not particularly meaningful and blood pressure should be checked under resting conditions, at different times.

Hypertension is persistent abnormally high blood pressure and is usually defined as a sustained systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or more, or diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or more, at rest. Persistent hypertension is one of the risk factors for strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, arterial aneurysm and is a leading cause of chronic renal failure.

Lifestyle changes, such as dietary control and increased exercise are important for everyone with raised blood pressure and in some cases this can be sufficient to control the high blood pressure and bring it back into acceptable levels.

However, drug treatment is usually recommended in cases of sustained systolic pressure of 160 mmHg or more and/or diastolic pressure 100 mmHg or more or if there are risk factors of heart disease and stroke, such as high cholesterol, smoking or a previous stroke or heart attack.

Symptoms
Hypertension seldom causes symptoms until secondary complications develop in the arteries, kidneys, brain, eyes or elsewhere. High blood pressure without complications does not cause dizziness, headache, fatigue, nosebleed or facial flushing.

A general rise in blood pressure is known to be damaging to the arteries. In turn, arterial damage can cause raised blood pressure. This can create a spiral, leading to higher and higher pressure. Arterial damage can affect the elasticity of the arteries, which may become stiff and rigid. It also promotes the arterial disease atherosclerosis, which can lead to narrowed arteries.

Causes
In approximately 90% of cases, the cause of hypertension is unknown. This type of hypertension is known as ‘essential hypertension’. Essential hypertension is very common, and may affect as much as 20% of the adult population.

Lifestyle and genetic factors may contribute and obese people or those who drink excessive amounts of alcohol are more likely to develop hypertension.

Stress may also contribute to the condition.

The Hypnotension™ programme is a unique programme that works with you to lower your blood pressure naturally.

We can help you can tackle the most common emotional and lifestyle factors in an easy and fun way using evidence based techniques.

The Hypnotension™ programme uses proven cognitive techniques and behavioural coaching to help you ensure that high blood pressure is a thing of the past.

We can work in conjunction with GP’s to help you back to a better health. This means that even if you are using medication to lower or control your high blood pressure you can still use the Hypnotension™ programme to address the underlying hypertension factors.

As your blood pressure reduces naturally, your GP may feel able to reduce your medication over time whilst monitoring your blood pressure. Imagine how it would feel to walk into your GP’s surgery and have him declare you free of high blood pressure!

Make a commitment to yourself today and take some direct action to bring down your high blood pressure for good.

Make high blood pressure a thing of the past!