The NHS has urged Brits to “check” a number as millions are thought to be unknowingly living with a “silent killer” condition. According to the health body, it is estimated that around 4.1 million people in England are living with high blood pressure without realising.

High blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension, occurs when the force of blood pushing against artery walls remains consistently elevated. This places additional strain on the heart and blood vessels, potentially causing long-term damage.

It's also a significant risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and other serious health conditions. However, it isoften labelled a “silent killer” due to the fact that it is typically symptomless.

• Free NHS test for 'silent' virus that can become life-threatening


• Chronic dentists shortage exposed by Brits who've never been - check your area

In an update from NHS England, it was revealed that the number of people searching for NHS advice on high blood pressure surged in 2025, with hundreds of thousands of extra visits to online information on risk and how to get checked. The NHS webpage on high blood pressure rocketed from 30th place in 2024.

This made it the second most visited health condition on NHS.UK last year, with just over two million visits – the equivalent of one click every 15 seconds – and up 36 per cent on the previous year (1.5 million visits).

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.”

She added that getting your blood pressure checked could “save your life”. “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,” she said.

Regina Giblin, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, added: “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.”

The 10 most viewed health conditions on the NHS website in 2025 were:

• COVID-19 (2.3 million)


• High blood pressure (2.0 million)


• Urinary tract infection (1.9 million)


• Chickenpox (1.8 million)


• High cholesterol (1.7 million)


• Shingles (1.6 million)


• Irritable bowel syndrome (1.4 million)


• Hand, foot and mouth disease (1.4 million)


• Iron deficiency anaemia (1.3 million)


• Piles (haemorrhoids) (1.3 million)

Checking your blood pressure

Those aged 40 to 74 who do not have a pre-existing health condition, will be invited to an NHS Health Check by their GP every five years. The check-up includes having your blood pressure measured and will usually be carried out by a health care professional at your local GP practice.

However, this is not the only way to get it checked. You can get a free blood pressure check from your local pharmacy if you are aged 40 or over and live in England.

You can also get your blood pressure checked at your local GP surgery regardless of your age, or some workplaces. Additionally, you can use a blood pressure kit yourself at home.

What is considered high blood pressure?

Blood pressure readings are given as two numbers, with the first number higher than the second (for example, 130/80). You're usually considered to have high blood pressure if your reading is:

• 140/90 or higher when checked by a healthcare professional


• 135/85 or higher when checked at home

If you are concerned about your blood pressure, you should speak to your GP.

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.