According to Eurostats¹, over 20% of people in the EU have high blood pressure. Worldwide, nearly one third of people have high blood pressure. It is becoming increasingly common in low- and middle-income countries².

High blood pressure (also called hypertension) is the most significant risk factor for stroke³. High blood pressure was a primary cause of stroke in around 60% of people who have had a stroke. High blood pressure levels are found in about three‐quarters of the patients with ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke, and about half of them have a history of high blood pressure^4,5.

High blood pressure damages the arteries over time, making them more likely to blockages or ruptures. This can lead to^3,4,5:

• Atherosclerosis, which is a build-up of plaque inside the arteries. This increases the likelihood of a clot forming and causing an ischaemic stroke.
• A sudden and severe increase in blood pressure which can trigger a haemorrhagic stroke by causing a blood vessel in the brain to burst.
• The formation of blood clots that can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.

What is healthy blood pressure?

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers. The first number is called systolic blood pressure, it measures the force at which the heart pumps blood around the body. The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, measures the resistance to the flow of blood between heart beats.

High blood pressure is 140mmHg systolic over 90mmHg diastolic or higher, or an average 135/85 when taken at home. We may be at risk of high blood pressure if our reading is between 120/70 and 139/89⁶. Ideal blood pressure is between 90/60 and 120/80, or 150/90 for people over 80 years old.

High blood pressure and stroke risk: Key points

High blood pressure rarely has symptoms, so it is important to monitor it, especially as we age. If you do have high or at-risk blood pressure readings, there are many steps that can take to help. These include:

• Eating a balanced diet, and especially avoiding too much salt, solid fats and highly processed foods
• Giving up smoking
• Avoiding too much alcohol
• Taking regular exercise
• Managing stress

For some people with high blood pressure, lifestyle changes aren’t enough. In these cases, your family doctor may prescribe medication to control your blood pressure and reduce your stroke risk.

Read about medical interventions for high blood pressure