Brendan O'Connor High blood pressure, the silent killer
Nov 1, 2025
In this discussion, Dr. Brendan O'Shea, a GP and medical director with a focus on public health, tackles the critical issue of hypertension. He reveals that high blood pressure is often undiagnosed, posing serious risks like stroke and heart failure. Dr. O'Shea emphasizes the benefits of home monitoring and outlines effective methods for measuring blood pressure. He also discusses how lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol intake and exercising, can significantly lower blood pressure and postpone the need for medication.
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Hypertension Drives Major Long-Term Harm
- High blood pressure raises the risk of stroke, heart attack and earlier heart failure.
- It also contributes significantly to dementia and other long-term complications.
Incidence Of Early Heart Events Has Fallen
- Ireland has reduced early strokes and heart attacks over the last 20 years.
- These events now occur at later ages thanks to better detection and treatment.
Hypertension Is Common And Often Undetected
- Hypertension is the commonest long-term condition and many people have it unknowingly.
- Routine checks at pharmacies and for licenses mean very high readings are now less likely to be missed.