Dr Mark McClure
Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of blood pushing against the artery walls remains consistently elevated. Over time, this can damage blood vessels and significantly raise the risk of serious health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
Steps to get started
Our team will support you through every stage, from your first enquiry to your recovery.
Using Health Insurance
If you have private health insurance, check with your provider to see what’s covered. We’re happy to help with any paperwork and can work directly with many insurance companies to make the process smoother for you.
Paying for Treatment Yourself
If you’re paying for treatment yourself, we’ll give you clear information about costs and help you plan your care. You’ll know exactly what to expect, with no hidden fees.
Costs
Service costs vary depending on individual needs, but our team is here to guide you. Get in touch to confirm fees and receive a clear, personalised breakdown before making any appointments.
Book an Appointment
You can book an appointment online, call our friendly team, or ask your GP for a referral.
We’re here to answer your questions, talk you through your options, and help you feel confident about your treatment.
Our Locations
Each site is equipped with modern facilities and experienced teams who will look after you throughout your treatment and recovery.
Our hospitals are easy to reach and offer a calm, comfortable environment to support your care. Wherever you decide to go, you’ll receive the same high standard of personalised treatment.
What treatments do we offer?
The kidneys play a crucial role in controlling your blood pressure. They do this by regulating the amount of fluid and salt in your body, as well as by producing hormones that help keep blood pressure at a healthy level. When blood pressure is too high, it can place extra strain on the kidneys and gradually damage their delicate filtration system. Over time, this can reduce kidney function and increase the risk of long-term complications.
Because of this important relationship, kidney specialists—also known as nephrologists—are highly experienced in managing blood pressure. They are experts at treating both straightforward cases of high blood pressure and more challenging forms, such as resistant hypertension that do not respond well to standard treatment.
While most high blood pressure has no clear cause (called “essential hypertension”), in some people it is triggered by an underlying medical condition—a situation known as secondary hypertension. Common secondary causes include certain hormone problems, kidney disease, and narrowing of the arteries to the kidneys. As kidney doctors, we can investigate for these secondary causes through specialized tests if there are clues in your symptoms or medical history.
Managing high blood pressure typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. We can:
- Advise you on lifestyle measures such as reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, increasing physical activity, managing stress, and avoiding excess alcohol.
- Prescribe and adjust medications to help keep your blood pressure well controlled, tailoring your treatment to your individual needs.
- Monitor your progress closely, making further adjustments as needed and checking for any side effects or complications.
Regular follow-up and individualised care ensure the best outcomes for your health, helping to protect both your heart and kidneys for the long term.
Meet Our Consultants
Our consultants are specialists with years of experience. From your first consultation through to your recovery, you’ll be under the care of experts who are dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible results.
The Benefits of Treatment
Managing high blood pressure is crucial for reducing the risk of serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, vision loss, chronic kidney disease, and other vascular disorders.
What Are The Expectations For Recovery?
The main goal in managing blood pressure is to bring your readings down to recommended targets using a combination of lifestyle changes and, if needed, medications that you tolerate well and can take without side effects. Achieving well-controlled blood pressure significantly reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
In the UK, the current targets recommended by NICE are:
- For adults under 80:
- Clinic blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg
- Home blood pressure below 135/85 mmHg
- For adults 80 or over:
- Clinic blood pressure below 150/90 mmHg
- Home blood pressure below 145/85 mmHg
- For people with chronic kidney disease or diabetes:
- Clinic blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg in some situations
Lifestyle changes—such as reducing salt intake, eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, limiting alcohol, and stopping smoking—are important first steps. If lifestyle changes alone are not enough, we can prescribe medications and work together to find a treatment plan that is both effective and free of troublesome side effects. Regular monitoring ensures your blood pressure stays on target, keeping your long-term health protected.