Ella NunnAug 21, 2026 – 5.00amHigh blood pressure is one of medicine’s greatest paradoxes. It is among the leading preventable risk factors for heart disease, stroke and premature death worldwide, yet it rarely causes symptoms.As a result, many people do not realise they have the condition until it has already started damaging the blood vessels supplying the heart, brain and kidneys.The Telegraph LondonSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles