High blood pressure affects more than 25 per cent of UK adults, according to the NHS.
The condition, also known as hypertension, puts extra strain on blood vessels and vital organs.
It increases your risk of heart attacks, heart disease and strokes.
But, you could get an approximate blood pressure reading at home without any equipment.
Your blood pressure is recorded with two numbers; systolic and diastolic blood pressures.
Systolic pressure describes how hard blood is being pumped around the body by the heart.
Diastolic pressure is the resistance to the flow of blood in blood vessels.
An ideal blood pressure is between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.
You could get an approximate systolic blood pressure reading without a blood pressure cuff (a sphygmomanometer), according to health website Blood Pressure Nutrition.
But, it’s not possible to get a diastolic blood pressure reading without equipment.
First, find your pulse along your left arm. You’re looking for a radial pulse, which is below the thumb, and a little above your wrist.
If you can feel the pulse without any difficulty, your systolic blood pressure is at least 80mmHg.
To get a more accurate reading of your blood pressure, you should get it checked using equipment, the NHS said.
Your GP or pharmacist may be able to help you take your reading.
All adults over 40 years old are suggested to get their blood pressure checked every five years.
You’re more likely to have hypertension if you’re over 65, are overweight, or are of African or Caribbean descent.
