DVLA warning over 'silent killer' with one number you need to know
Failing to report high blood pressure to the DVLA can have serious consequences beyond just a £1,000 fine as experts from Big Wants Your Car have warned drivers could face prosecution if their condition leads to an accident. "Failing to inform the DVLA about a medical condition like high blood pressure can lead to a fine of up to £1,000.
"This condition is important to report because it can suddenly impair your ability to drive safely, putting both you and others at risk. The DVLA's regulations are in place to ensure that all drivers on the road are fit to operate their vehicles.
"Drivers who do not report high blood pressure to the DVLA are not just risking a fine—they could also face prosecution if their condition leads to an accident. It's crucial to follow the DVLA's guidelines, which require you to stop driving until a doctor confirms your blood pressure is under control and consistently below 180/110mmHg.
"If you're diagnosed with high blood pressure, you must cease driving immediately and notify the DVLA by submitting form VOCH1. It's vital to ensure your condition is well-managed before getting back behind the wheel, as driving with untreated high blood pressure can have dangerous consequences. The rules are clear—safe driving is only possible when your blood pressure is consistently below 180/100mmHg."
High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called a "silent killer" because it typically has no noticeable symptoms, yet it can cause serious health problems over time. Many people may not realize they have high blood pressure until they develop complications, sometimes leading to life-threatening events like heart attacks or strokes.
Most people with high blood pressure don’t experience any symptoms, even when blood pressure reaches dangerous levels. This makes it easy to overlook or ignore until it causes significant damage to vital organs.
High blood pressure puts strain on blood vessels and the heart, which can lead to:
Heart disease (including heart failure and heart attacks)
Stroke
Kidney damage
Vision loss (damage to blood vessels in the eyes)
Aneurysms (weakening of blood vessel walls)
Heart disease (including heart failure and heart attacks)
Stroke
Kidney damage
Vision loss (damage to blood vessels in the eyes)
Aneurysms (weakening of blood vessel walls)
Since hypertension can go undetected for years, the damage accumulates silently, increasing the risk of sudden and severe medical emergencies.
Regular monitoring and early detection are crucial to preventing its deadly consequences. This is why high blood pressure screenings and healthy lifestyle choices are important for everyone, especially those at risk.