High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a condition where the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. Hypertension is the UK’s leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, associated with around 50% of heart attacks and strokes. BHF has funded more than 500 grants totalling over £100m for researchers to investigate high blood pressure.
Generating new knowledge
Thanks in part to BHF-funded research, we now better understand how and why high blood pressure develops, and the dangers it can pose. Many drugs used today to treat high blood pressure were made possible through fundamental research carried out by BHF-funded researchers. We’ve contributed to uncovering how blood pressure varies between people, supporting progress towards personalised medicines.
Influencing clinical practice
In the past, hypertension treatment was more one-size-fits-all and often started only when blood pressure was dangerously high. BHF has helped shape healthcare guidelines worldwide. For example, our funded research has pioneered personalised approaches to treatment, shown that blood pressure medication is safe for people over 80, and confirmed that medication is effective regardless of the time of day it is taken.
Innovating healthcare delivery
As many as 5 million adults in the UK have undiagnosed high blood pressure and do not know they are at risk. BHF launched a £1.5m national project to boost detection and management of high blood pressure in UK communities. This work has shaped ongoing national programmes and empowered people to take control of their heart health.
Improving people's lives
Lowering blood pressure, even in people without a diagnosis, could reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and heart failure. BHF-funded research is helping to advance how we prevent, diagnose, and manage high blood pressure, contributing to better outcomes for people.
Influencing policy
Armed with evidence from BHF-funded research on the benefits of lowering salt and sugar intake, BHF is driving nationwide policy changes to reduce unhealthy food consumption and support better heart health.
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First published 29th October 2025