NHS shares ‘silent killer’ condition that millionsin UK could have

NHS England is urging people to do a simple check that could save their lives and reduce the risk of a heart attack and stroke.Calling high blood pressure a “silent killer,” it reported that searches for advice on the condition rose sharply in 2025.

Posting on X, NHS England said: “Searches for advice on high blood pressure surged in 2025, making it the second most-viewed condition on the NHS website. High blood pressure is a ‘silent killer’, and the NHS is urging people to get a simple blood pressure check.”

The NHS website notes that an estimated 4.1 million people in England have high blood pressure without knowing it, which can increase the risk of stroke or heart attack, meaning if you keep it under control, your risk should be reduced.

To help people live longer and reduce serious health risks, the NHS is making it easier to check blood pressure. Around 100,000 NHS Health Checks happen each month, and most pharmacies now offer free blood pressure checks for eligible people, including many over 40.

NHS teams are also trialling checks at dentist and optician appointments, and bringing them into local communities, including barbershops and mosques.

How do I get a free blood pressure check?

High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so many people don’t know they have it. In rare cases, it can cause headaches, blurred vision, or chest pain.

If you are 40 or over and live in England, you can get a free blood pressure check. People aged 40 to 74 without certain health conditions can also have a free NHS Health Check every five years to check the health of their heart and blood vessels. If you think you’re eligible but haven’t been invited, contact your GP or local council to find out where you can get a check.

Things that increase your chances of having high blood pressure include:

• Your age – you’re more likely to get high blood pressure as you get older
• Having close relatives with high blood pressure
• Your ethnicity – you’re at a higher risk if you have a Black African, Black Caribbean or South Asian ethnic background
• Having an unhealthy diet – especially a diet that’s high in salt
• Being overweight
• Smoking
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Feeling stressed over a long period

NHS England statement

Dr Claire Fuller, National Medical Director for NHS England, said: “When we are flooded with unregulated online content and AI-generated summaries, it’s reassuring that more people are turning to the NHS website for trusted advice on high blood pressure.

“Millions of people are living with high blood pressure without knowing it, but this silent killer can significantly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke if left untreated, which is why we want people to come forward for checks.

“If concerned you might be at risk or have been invited for an NHS Health Check, please take up the offer or book in with your GP or pharmacy – a simple check could save your life.”

British Heart Foundation warning

Regina Giblin, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: “The fact that so many people are seeking out information on high blood pressure is a really positive sign. Around a third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure, often without realising it, as it has no symptoms. If left undiagnosed, high blood pressure can increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes, so the more people who get their blood pressure checked, the better.

“These search term stats show us that there is growing awareness of key cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These conditions can cause serious illness if left unaddressed, but the good news is they’re manageable.

“Simple steps like being active and cutting down on foods high in fat, salt and sugar can make a big difference, and medication can help if needed. Checking your blood pressure or cholesterol level is quick and easy, and it could be one of the most important things you do for your heart health.”

For more information on high blood pressure, visit the NHS website here.

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