Thiazide diuretic

This is a type of medicine often used to treat high blood pressure. It works by increasing the amount of salt and water that your kidneys put out in your urine. Getting rid of extra salt and water helps to lower your blood pressure.

See our information on diuretics

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Thrombosis

Thrombosis is the build up of a blood clot on the inside of a blood vessel. The clot can eventually break away from the blood vessel wall and then block the flow of blood. This can cause a stroke or heart attack if the blood vessel that is blocked supplies either the heart or brain.

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TIA (transient ischaemic attack)

This is when the blood supply to an area of the brain is stopped for a very short period of time. The symptoms of a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) are similar to a stroke but usually last for less than 24 hours. A TIA is often a warning sign that you are at risk of having a stroke.

See our information on stroke

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Triglycerides

These are fats that are found in the blood. A high level of triglycerides raises your risk of heart disease. Triglyceride levels can be measured in a blood test, usually the same blood test that measures your cholesterol level.

See our information on fats and cholesterol

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Ultrasound

An ultrasound is also known as a sonograph. This is a scan that uses sound waves to create and image of your organs. You may be asked to have an ultrasound scan of your kidneys, for example, to make sure that they are working properly.

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Urea

This is a substance that is made by the liver. High levels of urea in your blood can be a sign of kidney problems. You may be asked to have a blood test to check your urea levels, to see how well your kidneys are working.

See our information on kidney disease

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Urine tests

When you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor may ask you for a urine sample to check whether you have diabetes or kidney problems. Sometimes you may also be asked to provide a 24-hour collection of urine to check that your kidneys are working properly.

See our information on urine tests

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Vascular

A term that is used to describe anything relating to your blood vessels.

See our information on your arteries and high blood pressure

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Vascular dementia

This is a form of dementia that is often caused by a stroke or blockage in the blood vessels that supply the brain. Vascular refers to the fact that the problem is due to the blood vessels. Dementia is the term used to describe symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, and problems with speaking and understanding.

See our information on vascular dementia

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Waist to hip ratio

This ratio is sometimes used to work out your risk of heart disease or stroke. If your waist measurement is larger when compared with your hips (for example if you have a paunch or beer belly), then you have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure and other health problems.

See our information on keeping to a healthy weight

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White coat effect

The white coat effect is used to describe a relatively common situation where your blood pressure measurement is much higher in the doctor’s surgery, than it is when you measure it at home.

See our information on the white coat effect

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White coat hypertension

This is a term used to describe a situation where your blood pressure reading at the doctor’s surgery is high enough to show that you have high blood pressure, but your home blood pressure readings are lower than the level of high blood pressure.

See our information on the white coat effect

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