High blood pressure symptoms may go undetected and the only way to find out for sure if you have it is to have your blood pressure checked.
All adults over 40 are advised to have theirs checked at least every five years, and this can be done at your GP surgery, at some pharmacies, as part of your NHS Health Check and in some workplaces.
You can also check your blood pressure yourself with a blood pressure monitor at home. The chart below can tell you what your reading says about your blood pressure.
In some cases, symptoms may begin to show, which could indicate you need to see your GP. Bupa lists nine signs to watch out for.
These include headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, heart palpitations, nose bleeds, stomach pain, fever and blurred vision.
The health organisation adds: “You may want to see your GP if you get a combination of any of these symptoms frequently. They may indicate high blood pressure or something else that needs to be treated.
“Eye problems and nausea can be particular signs of very high blood pressure or increased pressure on your brain.”
Blood pressure is recorded in two numbers – the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure.
The systolic pressure is the higher number and indicates the force your heart pumps blood around the body.
The diastolic pressure is the lower number and is the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels.
Both numbers are measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).
The chart by Blood Pressure UK shows ranges of high, low and healthy blood pressure readings.
High blood pressure is considered to be between 140 over 90mmHg or higher.
Ideal blood pressure is considered to be between 90 over 60mmHg and 120 over 80mmHg.
Low blood pressure is considered to be 90 over 60mmHg or lower.
For those looking to reduce high blood pressure, or help control it if you’ve already been diagnosed, what can you do? British Heart Foundation (BHF) lists six top tips.
Regular physical activity
It advises: “Try to do some moderate-intensity activity every day and build up to at least 150 minutes per week, in bouts of 10 minutes or more.”
Keep to a healthy weight
For some people, losing weight is all they need to do to get their blood pressure down to a normal level, according to the charity.
Eat a healthy balanced diet
As well as it being a recommendation by BHF, the NHS suggests cutting down on the amount of salt in your food and to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.
Cut down on salt
BHF says: “Don’t cook with salt or add any to your food at the table, and cut down on processed foods, which contain a lot of salt.”
Don’t drink too much
If you drink alcohol, stick within the recommended limits. The charity recommends no more than three to four units a day for men and no more than two to three for women.
Take your medicines as prescribed
BHF says: “Most people will need to take more than one type of medicine to control their blood pressure.
“Don’t stop taking your medication without consulting with your GP first.”
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