What is blood pressure and what do the numbers mean?

Blood pressure is a measure of how strongly blood presses against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it around your body. It is an essential part of circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs. Problems arise when this pressure stays too high or too low for long periods.

Understanding the two numbers

Blood pressure is written as two numbers, for example 120/80, and measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). Each number represents a different phase of the heartbeat.

Systolic pressure (the top number)

The systolic pressure is the higher, top number. It measures the pressure in your arteries when the heart contracts and pushes blood out into the body. This reflects how hard the heart is working during each beat.

Diastolic pressure (the bottom number)

The diastolic pressure is the lower, bottom number. It measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes between beats. This indicates how much resistance the blood vessels provide when the heart is at rest.

What is considered “normal” blood pressure?

For many adults, a resting blood pressure around 120/80 mmHg is often described as normal. Readings consistently above this range may indicate rising risk, while very low readings can also cause symptoms in some people.

Why blood pressure changes

Blood pressure naturally changes throughout the day. Physical activity, stress, posture, hydration, sleep, illness and even talking can affect a reading. This is why single measurements are less useful than patterns over time.

Why both numbers matter

Many people focus only on the top number, but both values are important. A high systolic pressure increases strain on the heart and arteries, while a high diastolic pressure indicates persistent resistance in the blood vessels. Either can increase long-term cardiovascular risk.

Why blood pressure problems often go unnoticed

High blood pressure often causes no obvious symptoms, which is why it is commonly called a “silent condition.” People can feel completely well while damage slowly builds in the heart, brain, kidneys and blood vessels.

What is high blood pressure and why is it called a “silent” risk?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries remains consistently higher than the body is designed to tolerate. Over time, this excess pressure places strain on blood vessels and vital organs, increasing the risk of serious health problems.

What makes blood pressure “high”

Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day, but it is considered high when readings remain elevated at rest over time. Persistently raised pressure means the heart must work harder to circulate blood, and the arteries are exposed to continuous mechanical stress.

Why it is called a “silent” risk

High blood pressure is often described as a silent risk because it usually causes no obvious symptoms. Many people feel completely normal, even when readings are high enough to increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and other complications.

Why symptoms are unreliable

Some people associate high blood pressure with headaches, dizziness, or nosebleeds, but these symptoms are inconsistent and often unrelated. Many individuals with dangerously high readings experience no warning signs at all, while others with normal readings may feel unwell for unrelated reasons.

How damage develops quietly

Persistent high pressure gradually damages blood vessels, making them thicker, stiffer, and less flexible. This reduces efficient blood flow and increases the likelihood of blockages, vessel injury, and strain on organs such as the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.

Why it is often discovered by chance

Because there are usually no symptoms, high blood pressure is often first detected during routine checks, workplace screenings, or visits for unrelated reasons. Many people are surprised to learn they have it.

Why early awareness matters

Detecting high blood pressure early provides more time and more options to manage risk. Lifestyle changes, monitoring, and appropriate medical guidance are far more effective when pressure is addressed before complications develop.

What is type 2 diabetes and how does it develop?

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term metabolic condition in which the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels effectively. It develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin, the hormone responsible for helping glucose move from the bloodstream into cells for energy.

The role of insulin in blood sugar control

After eating, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. Insulin is released to help move this glucose into cells, where it can be used for energy. When insulin works properly, blood sugar levels remain within a healthy range.

What insulin resistance means

In type 2 diabetes, cells gradually become less responsive to insulin. This is known as insulin resistance. As a result, glucose remains in the bloodstream instead of being absorbed efficiently by cells.

How the condition develops over time

In the early stages, the body compensates by producing more insulin to overcome resistance. Over time, this compensation becomes less effective. Blood sugar levels begin to rise, and the pancreas may eventually struggle to keep up with demand.

Why type 2 diabetes develops gradually

Unlike type 1 diabetes, which develops quickly, type 2 diabetes usually develops slowly over years. This gradual progression means many people have insulin resistance or elevated blood sugar for a long time before diagnosis.

Factors that contribute to its development

Type 2 diabetes is influenced by a combination of factors, including excess body weight, physical inactivity, genetics, poor metabolic health, chronic stress, and ageing. These factors interact to increase insulin resistance and strain blood sugar regulation.

Why symptoms may be absent early on

Early type 2 diabetes often causes no obvious symptoms. Blood sugar can rise gradually without noticeable changes, which is why many people are diagnosed only during routine testing or after complications begin to appear.

What are common symptoms of diabetes that people miss?

Diabetes often develops gradually, and many early symptoms are subtle or easily explained away. As a result, people may live with raised blood sugar for months or years before realising something is wrong. Recognising commonly missed signs can help prompt earlier testing and diagnosis.

Persistent tiredness or low energy

Ongoing fatigue is one of the most frequently overlooked symptoms. When blood sugar is poorly regulated, cells struggle to access glucose efficiently, leading to a constant feeling of low energy even after rest.

Increased thirst and frequent urination

Many people notice they are drinking more and passing urine more often, but attribute it to ageing, hot weather, or lifestyle habits. These changes can be early signs that excess glucose is being excreted through the urine.

Blurred or fluctuating vision

Changes in blood sugar levels can temporarily affect the shape of the eye’s lens, leading to blurred or shifting vision. Because vision may come and go, it is often not recognised as a warning sign.

Slow healing of cuts or frequent infections

Elevated blood sugar can impair immune function and circulation. This may show up as cuts or sores that take longer to heal, or as recurrent infections, particularly of the skin or urinary tract.

Tingling or numbness in hands and feet

Early nerve irritation can cause mild tingling, pins-and-needles sensations, or numbness in the feet or hands. These symptoms are sometimes mistaken for circulation issues or posture-related problems.

Unexplained changes in weight

Some people experience unintended weight loss or gain without obvious changes in diet. These shifts may occur as the body struggles to use energy properly or compensates for insulin resistance.

Increased hunger or sugar cravings

Despite eating regularly, some people feel persistently hungry or crave carbohydrates and sweets. This can happen when glucose is not effectively entering cells, leaving the body signalling for more fuel.

Why these symptoms are often missed

Many early diabetes symptoms are mild, develop slowly, or overlap with everyday issues such as stress, ageing, or lack of sleep. This makes them easy to ignore until blood sugar levels rise further and complications begin.

What is lupus and how can it affect the body?

Lupus is a long-term autoimmune condition in which the immune system becomes overactive and mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Instead of protecting against infection, immune activity is misdirected, leading to inflammation that can affect many different organs and systems.

How lupus differs from other immune conditions

In autoimmune conditions like lupus, the immune system loses its ability to clearly distinguish between foreign threats and the body’s own cells. This can result in ongoing inflammation that may fluctuate over time, with periods of relative calm followed by flare-ups.

Effects on joints and muscles

Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling are among the most common features of lupus. Muscle aches and fatigue are also frequent, and these symptoms can resemble arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.

Effects on skin and connective tissue

Lupus can affect the skin in various ways, including rashes, sensitivity to sunlight, and changes in skin texture. These effects are caused by immune-related inflammation in the skin and underlying connective tissues.

Effects on internal organs

In some people, lupus affects internal organs such as the kidneys, heart, lungs, or digestive system. Kidney involvement is particularly significant and may progress quietly without obvious symptoms in the early stages.

Effects on the nervous system

Lupus can sometimes affect the brain and nervous system, leading to symptoms such as headaches, cognitive difficulties, mood changes, or sensory disturbances. These effects vary widely in severity and presentation.

Fatigue and systemic symptoms

Persistent fatigue is one of the most disabling aspects of lupus for many people. Fevers, generalised discomfort, and a feeling of being unwell can occur even when outward signs of disease activity are limited.

Why lupus symptoms vary so widely

Lupus affects individuals differently because immune activity, genetics, environmental triggers, and overall health all influence how the condition presents. Some people experience mild symptoms, while others may face more complex or serious complications.

What is RSV and why do we hear more about it now?

RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. It is a common respiratory virus that most people are exposed to during childhood, often without realising it. In many cases, RSV causes mild, cold-like symptoms and resolves on its own without the need for medical treatment.

How RSV affects the respiratory system

RSV primarily infects the cells lining the respiratory tract. While it may begin in the nose and throat, the virus can travel deeper into the lungs, particularly in infants, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions. When this happens, symptoms may become more pronounced and prolonged.

Who is most affected by RSV

RSV tends to cause the most concern in babies, especially those under one year of age, because their airways are small and more easily obstructed by inflammation and mucus. Older adults and people with chronic lung, heart, or immune conditions may also experience more severe illness.

Why RSV was less discussed in the past

For many years, RSV received relatively little public attention because it was viewed as a routine childhood virus. Severe cases were largely confined to hospital settings, and widespread testing was not commonly performed outside of vulnerable groups.

Why RSV is discussed more today

Increased awareness of RSV is due to several factors. Changes in social behaviour and viral circulation patterns following the COVID-19 period altered how common respiratory viruses spread. In addition, improved diagnostic testing, greater monitoring, and the development of preventive strategies for higher-risk groups have brought RSV into sharper public focus.

RSV in the wider health conversation

RSV is now more frequently discussed alongside other respiratory viruses such as influenza and COVID-19. This reflects a broader shift toward understanding respiratory health across the lifespan, rather than RSV being viewed solely as a childhood illness.

What does chest pain mean and is it always the heart?

Chest pain can be worrying, but it does not always come from the heart. The chest contains many structures — including muscles, ribs, lungs, the oesophagus, nerves, and blood vessels — all of which can produce pain or discomfort.

Heart-related causes

Pain from the heart is often described as pressure, tightness, heaviness, or squeezing in the centre or left side of the chest. It may spread to the arm, neck, jaw, back, or stomach and can be triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress. Heart-related chest pain is more likely in people with risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, or a strong family history.

Muscle, rib, and chest wall causes

Chest pain commonly comes from the muscles, ribs, or joints of the chest wall. This type of pain is often sharp or aching, may worsen with movement or pressure, and can follow physical strain, poor posture, coughing, or minor injury.

Digestive system causes

The oesophagus and stomach can cause chest discomfort, particularly acid reflux or indigestion. This pain may feel like burning or tightness behind the breastbone and is often related to meals, lying down, or bending forward.

Lung and breathing-related causes

Conditions affecting the lungs or lining of the lungs can also cause chest pain. This pain may be sharper and worsen with deep breathing or coughing. Infections, inflammation, or blood clots in the lungs can all produce chest symptoms.

When chest pain needs urgent assessment

Chest pain should be treated as urgent if it is sudden, severe, persistent, or accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, faintness, or neurological symptoms. When in doubt, seeking medical assessment is the safest approach.

What is anxiety and when might it be a medical issue?

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, uncertainty, or perceived danger. It is part of the body’s built-in survival system and can be helpful in short bursts, improving focus and alertness during challenging situations.

Problems arise when anxiety becomes persistent, overwhelming, or disconnected from clear external triggers. At that point, it may begin to interfere with daily life, physical health, or emotional wellbeing.

Normal anxiety vs ongoing anxiety

Normal anxiety tends to be temporary and situational, easing once the stressor has passed. Ongoing anxiety may linger for weeks or months, appear without obvious reason, or feel out of proportion to the situation at hand.

How anxiety can affect the body

Anxiety does not only affect thoughts and emotions. It can also trigger physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, shortness of breath, digestive discomfort, dizziness, headaches, or persistent fatigue.

When anxiety may become a medical issue

Anxiety may warrant medical attention when it is severe, long-lasting, or begins to limit work, relationships, sleep, or everyday activities. Panic attacks, constant worry, or physical symptoms with no clear cause are common reasons people seek help.

Other factors that can contribute to anxiety

Hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, chronic stress, inflammation, blood sugar fluctuations, and some medical conditions can all influence anxiety levels. In these cases, anxiety may be a signal that the body is under strain rather than a standalone mental health issue.

What causes hair loss and when should I worry?

Hair loss is common and can have many different causes. Some hair shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle, but noticeable thinning or increased hair loss can signal changes elsewhere in the body.

Normal hair shedding

Hair grows in cycles, and it is normal to lose a small amount each day as older hairs fall out and new ones grow in. Temporary shedding can increase during times of stress, illness, or hormonal change and often settles once the body recovers.

Hormonal and genetic factors

Genetics play a major role in pattern hair loss in both men and women. Hormonal changes, including those related to menopause, thyroid function, or testosterone balance, can also affect hair growth and thickness.

Nutrient and metabolic influences

Hair growth depends on adequate nutrients and energy availability. Deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, protein, or other essential nutrients, as well as metabolic strain or blood sugar imbalance, can contribute to thinning or increased shedding.

Stress, illness, and inflammation

Physical or emotional stress, infections, surgery, or chronic inflammation can push hair follicles into a resting phase, leading to noticeable hair loss several weeks or months later. This type of hair loss is often reversible once the underlying stress is resolved.

Scalp conditions and treatments

Conditions affecting the scalp, such as dermatitis, psoriasis, or fungal infections, can interfere with healthy hair growth. Certain medications and medical treatments may also affect the hair cycle.

When hair loss should be checked

It is sensible to seek medical advice if hair loss is sudden, patchy, rapidly worsening, associated with scalp pain, redness, or scarring, or accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, weight change, or menstrual irregularities.

What is the keto diet and is it suitable for everyone?

The ketogenic, or keto, diet is a way of eating that is very low in carbohydrates and high in fats, with moderate protein intake. The aim is to shift the body away from using glucose as its main fuel and toward using fats and ketones for energy.

How the keto diet works

When carbohydrate intake is greatly reduced, insulin levels fall and the body begins to break down fat into ketones, which can be used by many tissues, including the brain, as an alternative energy source. This metabolic state is known as ketosis.

Potential benefits for some people

Some people find that a ketogenic approach helps with appetite control, blood sugar regulation, or mental clarity. It has also been used therapeutically in specific medical contexts under professional supervision.

Why keto is not suitable for everyone

The keto diet places significant demands on fat metabolism and can be difficult to sustain long term. Some people experience side effects such as fatigue, headaches, digestive upset, or nutrient imbalance, particularly in the early stages. It may not be appropriate for people with certain medical conditions, eating disorders, or those who struggle with very restrictive diets.

Individual responses vary

Responses to the keto diet vary widely depending on metabolism, activity levels, stress, sleep, and overall health. What feels beneficial for one person may feel unsustainable or unhelpful for another.

A flexible perspective

Rather than viewing keto as a universal solution, it can be more helpful to think of it as one of many dietary approaches. Some people benefit from lower carbohydrate intake without adopting a strict ketogenic pattern.