The NHShas issued a new warning, urging people to do a simple check. And it could save their life.

Calling it a "silent killer" and taking to X, NHS England posted: "Searches for advice on high blood pressure surged in 2025, making it the second most-viewed condition on the NHSwebsite. High blood pressure is a ‘silent killer’, and the NHS is urging people to get a simple blood pressure check."

On its website, the health service notes that it's "estimated that around 4.1 million people in England are living with it without realising". Because of this, the experts stress that this could increase the risk of stroke or heart attack.

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To help people live longer lives and reduce their risk of a variety of conditions and diseases, the NHS is making it easier for people to check their blood pressure and spot hidden risks.

Around 100,000 NHS Health Checks take place each month and most pharmacies now offer free blood pressure checks for eligible people, including many over 40s.

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

Free blood pressure check

High blood pressure often has no symptoms, and many people have it without knowing it. In rare cases, it can cause headaches, blurred vision and chest pain.

You can get a free blood pressure check if you are aged 40 or over and live in England. If you are aged 40 to 74 and do not already have a related health condition, you can have a free NHS Health Check every five years.

This checks the health of your heart and blood vessels and is offered by your GP or local council.

If you think you’re eligible but have not been invited, contact your GP surgery to see if they offer NHS Health Checks, or ask your local council where you can get one in your area.

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

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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