High blood pressure affects more than 25 per cent of the UK, according to the NHS.
Many people won’t even realise they have high blood pressure, or hypertension, as the only way to find out if you’re at risk is to get your blood pressure checked.
Anything over 140/90mmHg is generally considered to be high.
Having high blood pressure puts extra strain on blood vessels, and the body’s vital organs.
You could be at risk of hypertension if you have any of these symptoms.
“One of the most dangerous aspects of hypertension is that you may not know that you have it,” said medical website WebMD.
“The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is through regular checkups.
“If your blood pressure is extremely high, there may be certain symptoms to look out for.”
Severe headaches could be a sign of high blood pressure, the website warned.
If you’re having chest pain or difficulty breathing, you may also be at risk of hypertension.
You should also see a GP if you find blood in your urine.
The urine may simply appear darker than usual, which may indicate blood is present.
Persistent fatigue or tiredness could also be a symptom of the condition.
“If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
“You could be having a hypertensive crisis that could lead to a heart attack or stroke.”
You could lower your blood pressure by making some small lifestyle changes.
Try cutting back on the amount of salt you eat, the NHS said.
Reducing the amount of alcohol or caffeine you drink may also help to reduce your hypertension risk.
Those most at risk of the condition are people who don’t do enough exercise, or have a relative with high blood pressure.
People of African or Caribbean descent are more likely to have hypertension, the NHS claimed.
