The number of people searching for trusted NHS advice on high blood pressure surged in 2025, with hundreds of thousands of extra visits to online information about risk and how to get checked.
The NHS high blood pressure webpage rose from 30th place in 2024 to the second most visited health condition on NHS.uk last year, recording just over 2 million visits — the equivalent of one click every 15 seconds — a 36% increase from 1.5 million visits the year before.
High blood pressure significantly raises the risk of heart attack and stroke and is often called a “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms. It is estimated around 4.1 million people in England are living with high blood pressure without realising.
NHS services are making it easier to get checked and to identify people at hidden risk of stroke or heart attack. Around 100,000 NHS Health Checks are carried out each month, and most pharmacies now offer free blood pressure checks for eligible people, including many over 40. NHS teams are also trialling checks at dental and optometry appointments and taking checks into communities, including barbershops and mosques.
Latest data shows 1,438,781 people had their blood pressure checked through NHS Health Checks last year, up from 1,418,929 in 2024, helping thousands spot problems early and take steps to protect their health.
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.”
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.”
People aged 40 to 74 without a pre-existing condition are invited to an NHS Health Check by their GP every five years; the check is usually done by a health professional at the local GP practice.
COVID-19 remained the most viewed condition on the NHS website in 2025 with 2.3 million visits, though this was a 38% drop compared with 2024. Other commonly viewed conditions in the top 10 included urinary tract infections, chickenpox, high cholesterol and shingles. High cholesterol was the fifth most viewed condition in 2025 with 1.7 million visits. Searches for iron deficiency anaemia and piles (haemorrhoids) also featured in the top 10. Visits to childhood infections such as hand, foot and mouth disease and chickenpox fell compared with 2024 but still attracted over a million views each.
The nhs.uk website is available 24/7 with guidance on symptoms, treatment options and when to seek further help. Managed by NHS England, it is the UK’s largest health website, providing information on hundreds of conditions and advice on accessing NHS services and preventive care such as NHS Health Checks.
The 10 most viewed health conditions on the NHS website in 2025 were:
1. COVID-19 (2.3 million)
2. High blood pressure (2.0 million)
3. Urinary tract infection (1.9 million)
4. Chickenpox (1.8 million)
5. High cholesterol (1.7 million)
6. Shingles (1.6 million)
7. Irritable bowel syndrome (1.4 million)
8. Hand, foot and mouth disease (1.4 million)
9. Iron deficiency anaemia (1.3 million)
10. Piles (haemorrhoids) (1.3 million)
Further information:
– You can get a free blood pressure check if you are aged 40 or over and live in England.
– The NHS Health Check is a free check of heart and blood vessel health for people aged 40–74 without a pre-existing condition, offered every five years by GP practices or local councils.
– If you think you are eligible but have not been invited, contact your GP surgery or local council to find out where you can get an NHS Health Check.
