Persistent high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) can increase your risk of some serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions, such as:

• heart disease
• heart attacks
• strokes
• heart failure
• peripheral arterial disease
• aortic aneurysms
• kidney disease
• vascular dementia

In England, more than 1 in 3 adults has high blood pressure. Monitoring your numbers is the first step in staying healthy.

If you have high blood pressure, reducing it even a small amount can help lower your risk of these health conditions.

To get an accurate reading, your body needs to be at rest. Avoid taking your blood pressure when you are feeling stressed, in pain, or in a hurry.

Tips for a steady reading:

1. Rest first: Sit quietly for 5 minutes before you start.

2. Positioning: Sit with your back supported and both feet flat on the floor.

3. Arm position: Rest your arm on a table so it is at the same level as your heart.

4. Stay still: Do not talk or cross your legs while the machine is taking your reading.