What is high or low blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, means your heart is working harder than normal, which increases your risk of serious health conditions like heart attacks or strokes. Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, can also be concerning as it causes symptoms like dizziness or fainting.
Blood pressure is a key measure of your heart’s health. It’s recorded as two numbers: systolic pressure, which measures the force your heart uses to pump blood, and diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure when your heart is at rest. Ideally, your blood pressure should fall between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg.
High blood pressure is when blood pressure consistently exceeds 140/90 mmHg. Managing this often involves lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet and staying active. In some cases, medication may be recommended to help keep blood pressure in a healthy range.
Low blood pressure occurs when readings fall below 90/60 mmHg. This can lead to dizziness or fainting, especially when standing up quickly. Although it’s less discussed than high blood pressure, hypotension can also be concerning if it affects blood flow to your organs.
Managing blood pressure—whether it’s high or low—is vital to preventing health complications. For hypertension, lifestyle changes like reducing salt intake, regular exercise, and stress management can make a big difference. For hypotension, staying hydrated and sometimes using medication can help.
Understanding your blood pressure is the first step towards better health. By keeping it within a healthy range, you can protect yourself from more serious health issues and live a more fulfilling life. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
More than 25% of adults in England experience high blood pressure
High blood pressure is linked to half of all heart attacks
In the UK, 4 million under-65s live with untreated hypertension
0% of older adults experience postural hypotension - a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up
What causes high and low blood pressure?
Blood pressure can be influenced by many factors, leading to either high or low readings.
High blood pressure (Hypertension) can be caused by numerous other health conditions, including kidney disease, diabetes, hormone imbalances, and narrowed arteries. These issues force your heart to work harder, raising your blood pressure.
Low blood pressure (Hypotension) can be triggered by pregnancy, dehydration, heart problems or certain medications. It may also be linked to anaemia, infections or simply the natural ageing process. Lifestyle factors like alcohol consumption can also contribute.
Stress is a major factor that can make both high and low blood pressure worse. By understanding what contributes to these changes, you can take proactive steps to manage your health
What are the symptoms and effects of blood pressure changes?
High blood pressure often develops without obvious symptoms: over a quarter of UK adults may be living with hypertension without knowing it. This ‘silent’ condition increases the risk of serious problems like strokes and heart disease. While most people won’t notice any symptoms, some experience blurred vision or headaches.
Low blood pressure can cause noticeable symptoms. You might feel dizzy, fatigued or lightheaded. In extreme cases, hypotension can lead to fainting or shock, which requires immediate medical attention.
Monitoring your blood pressure regularly can help you stay on top of your health. This is especially important if you’re over 40 or have risk factors like diabetes or obesity. Regular check-ups can help detect issues early and keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.
How can they be managed?
Blood pressure management involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and therapies.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Medication
Common treatments include ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers and diuretics. These medications work by relaxing your blood vessels, lowering your heart rate, or helping your body get rid of excess fluid.
Diet
A heart-healthy diet is key to managing high blood pressure. Reducing your salt intake, eating potassium-rich foods and incorporating omega-3 fats from oily fish into your diet can help. Cooking from scratch will allow you to have more control over how much salt goes into your meals.
Lifestyle Changes
Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress are all vital for controlling blood pressure. Cutting down on alcohol, caffeine and quitting smoking can also make a big difference.
Talking Therapies
Solution-focused hypnotherapy for high blood pressure can be a powerful tool in managing stress, which plays a key role in blood pressure levels. By focusing on positive change, hypnotherapy supports healthier habits and emotional resilience.
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Practical Tips
Simple changes like standing up slowly, eating smaller meals and drinking plenty of water can help manage low blood pressure. If dizziness is a frequent issue, wearing support stockings and increasing your salt intake (under medical advice) may be beneficial.
Consult Your GP
If you’re regularly experiencing symptoms of low blood pressure, it’s important to seek medical advice. Your GP can recommend specific treatments or lifestyle changes to help manage your low blood pressure effectively.
How can hypnotherapy help?
Solution-focused hypnotherapy for blood pressure offers a personalised approach to managing high or low blood pressure by helping you relax and reduce stress. Through guided relaxation, this therapy helps to control your blood pressure naturally, breaking the cycle of stress that contributes to blood pressure issues.
Hypnotherapy for high blood pressure helps you replace stress-driven behaviours, such as smoking or unhealthy eating, with positive habits like deep breathing or regular exercise.
Solution-focused hypnotherapy encourages you to focus on the present and future, moving away from past anxieties. In a state of deep relaxation, your mind becomes more open to positive suggestions, making it easier to adopt healthy lifestyle changes.
Most people benefit from 6 to 12 sessions, though this varies depending on your needs. Hypnotherapy is an empowering tool that helps you manage your blood pressure and maintain long-term wellbeing.
Whether you’re just managing your blood pressure or also working on other lifestyle changes, hypnotherapy can help you achieve lasting improvements.
Our Low or High Blood Pressure Specialists
Benn Baker-Pollard
Sittingbourne
Carmen Harrington
Market Harborough
Caroline Prout
Thrapston
Chris Johannes
Spalding
Claire Noyelle
Maidstone East
Dawn Ibbetson
Chelmsford
Gary Johannes
Peterborough
Jill Whitehouse
Newcastle upon Tyne
Keeley Smith
Southend-on-Sea
Peter Ely
Islington
Victoria Anderson
Sunderland
Why Choose Inspired To Change
Our solution focused hypnotherapists empower you to better understand your brain, helping to guide you towards solutions and achieve the outcomes you want. We have a team of fully trained hypnotherapists, giving you the choice of who to work with and how you want to work with them. Solution focused hypnotherapy is just as effective in-person or online in the comfort of your own home, so you can find the ideal therapist to help you reach your goals.
Every one of our hypnotherapists is recognised by governing bodies like the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the UK’s leading not-for-profit hypnotherapy professional association. They have all trained with Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training, one of the leading hypnotherapy schools in the UK.
