World Hypertension Day

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, rarely has any noticeable symptoms, but according to the NHS, more than one in four adults in the UK have high blood pressure and some people might not even realise it.

Having high blood pressure has many risks and can place strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs. Constant high blood pressure can have a more serious effect on your body and can increase your risk of potentially life-threatening conditions, which include:

• Heart attacks
• Heart disease
• Strokes
• Heart failure
• Kidney disease

But, managing and reducing your blood pressure will help lower your risk of these life-threatening conditions and to do this you can make some simple lifestyle changes:

• Reduce your daily intake of salt and try to maintain a healthy balanced diet
• Cut back on your alcohol consumption
• Quit smoking
• Exercise on a regular basis
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Enjoy your sleep, aim to get at least six hours per night

Who is at risk?

Different factors can increase your risk of high blood pressure and these can include your age, family history, being inactive, being overweight, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, smoking, increased salt intake and sleep deprivation.

According to the NHS, a general guide high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher, ideal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg and finally low blood pressure is considered to be 90/60mmHg or lower.

But what does this mean?

The higher number, the systolic pressure, measures the force at which your heart pumps your blood around your body, whilst the lower number, the diastolic pressure, is the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels.

If you are over 40 then it is advised that you have your blood pressure checked every five years and you can get tested at your GP surgery, some pharmacies, some workplaces and as part of your NHS Health Check.