Left to get worse, high blood pressure is a risky health condition, with most people only discovering they have it when they are rushed to the hospital – usually due to a heart attack or stroke. Professor Jamie Waterwall, national leader in cardiovascular disease prevention at Public Health England (PHE), commented on the condition. “High blood pressure is the main cause of heart attacks and strokes in the country,” he said.
“If you’re over 40, getting your free NHS health check is a simple way to find out your blood pressure, as well as your risk for other illnesses.”
Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure can cause headaches and bouts of dizziness.
The health condition can also cause unexplained nosebleeds.
It can also cause chest pain, shortness of breath and / or blurred vision.
The best way to check if you suffer from hypertension is by measuring your blood pressure.
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This can be done in the GP clinic, in some pharmacies and in the comfort of your home.
Called a sphygmomanometer, a high blood pressure monitor can be purchased from BHF.
The cheapest option on their website starts from £ 19.99, with the most expensive being £ 119.99.
It is important to buy a reliable blood pressure monitor to get an accurate reading.
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Alternatively, you can buy a blood pressure monitor at large supermarkets or pharmacies.
How to read the results
A normal blood pressure reading is below 140 / 90mmHg – showing systolic and diastolic readings.
The systolic number is the first number that indicates the pressure exerted when the heart is beating.
Meanwhile, the diastolic number tells you the pressure when your heart is relaxing between beats.
People with heart or circulatory disease, diabetes or kidney disease have an ideal blood pressure reading below 130/80 mmHg.
For detailed video instructions on how to measure your blood pressure at home, visit the BHF website.
If you already have a blood pressure monitor, BHF recommends that the device be checked every two years.
“It needs to be regularly serviced and calibrated to make sure it is accurate,” said the charity.
“This usually involves sending it back to the manufacturer, who is likely to charge a fee,” added BHF.
If the reading is higher than you would like, lifestyle adjustments can help lower your blood pressure reading.
This includes regular exercise – for at least 150 minutes a week – and maintaining a healthy weight.
In addition, it is useful to have a healthy and balanced diet, reduce salt and drink less alcohol.