Around 30% of men and women in the UK have high blood pressure (hypertension). Although treatable, it's a potentially dangerous condition, which can lead to a stroke or heart attack. But recent BHF research has revealed that, as well as increasing the risk of such an event, hypertension may mask the early warning signs of an impending heart attack.

Dr Louisa Edwards, a BHF Clinical Research Fellow in Birmingham, has studied the sensory nerve which sends tactile information from the hands to the brain and shown that, compared with people with normal blood pressure, those with hypertension experienced less feeling in their fingertips. This suggests that people with hypertension may have a reduced awareness of pain.

Dr Edwards said "Because people with hypertension are at greater risk of developing heart disease, it's crucial that they react urgently to chest pains. If a loss of feeling shields mild warning pains, the first sign of trouble could be a full blown heart attack."

With further support from the BHF, the team in Birmingham will continue to study the effects of hypertension on nerves and blood vessels in greater detail.

To find out more about BHF-funded research projects, go to bhf.org.uk/research