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NHS Warns Millions of Britons Unaware of "Silent Killer" High Blood Pressure
9 Sep
Summary
- NHS issues warning about high blood pressure, a "silent killer"
- Millions of people in the UK have undiagnosed high blood pressure
- Failing to treat high blood pressure risks creating a "powder keg" of future health issues
According to a recent NHS announcement, high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a major health concern affecting millions of people in the UK. This "silent killer" condition, where the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high, often goes unnoticed as it typically presents without any symptoms.
As of September 9th, 2025, it is estimated that up to half of the 16 million adults in the UK with high blood pressure remain undiagnosed and untreated. This poses a significant risk, as high blood pressure is a key contributor to many serious medical problems, including heart attacks and strokes.
The British Heart Foundation has warned that failing to address this issue could create a "powder keg" of future health problems, potentially devastating families and placing unsustainable pressure on the NHS. In fact, around half of all heart attacks and strokes in the UK are linked to high blood pressure.
To combat this silent threat, the NHS is urging the public to "know your numbers" and regularly check their blood pressure, either at home or with a healthcare provider. By identifying and treating high blood pressure early, the NHS and BHF believe that up to 125,000 heart attacks and strokes could be prevented in the coming decade.
