High blood pressure is branded a 'silent killer' with up to one in four adults in the UK suffering despite many not realising it, according to the NHS.
There are often no noticeable symptoms for high blood pressure, or hypertension, but if left untreated the condition can increase your risk of serious health problems such as heart attacks or strokes.
After receiving a severe high blood pressure diagnosis, a "healthy" mum of four is issuing a warning explaining that the issue could have been a "ticking time bomb". The 59-year-old is urging people to have their blood pressure checked after getting the shocking news.
Lynda Sutton, from Dublin, rarely visited a doctor assuming she was "invincible" due to her active lifestyle, reports Dublin Live.
"But really, I could have been a ticking time bomb. I thought I was healthy before, but I have completely changed my diet. I’m eating plenty of fruit and veg and no salt", she said.
"If the dog was sick, I would take her to the vet but if I was sick, I would never go to the doctor. That’s changed now and I know how important it is to get your blood pressure checked"
But now the mum is urging people to pay attention, getting their bloody pressure checked regularly - especially if over the age of 50 - after her potentially dangerous condition was discovered at an Irish Heart Foundation Mobile Health Unit parked near her local library in March.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
There are often no symptoms, with most only realising they suffer after having their blood pressure checked.
However, there may be a number of warning signs for some.
According to the British Heart Foundation, symptoms may include:
- Blurred vision
- Nosebleeds
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Headaches
Medical Director of Irish Heart Foundation, Dr Angie Brown said: "The only way of finding out is to get it checked with your GP or local pharmacy as you will, most likely, have no symptoms. It is one of the most important risk factors for heart disease and stroke but there are many factors that affect your risk."
Dr Brown added high blood pressure is one of the few conditions that people have the power to successfully manage – but only if they know they have it. "Medication may be needed in addition to lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, and embracing a balanced diet which limits salt intake. These changes can have a huge impact."
How to get your blood pressure checked
There are various places you can visit to have your blood pressure checked and rule out any concern.
Options include:
- at your GP surgery
- at some pharmacies
- as part of your NHS Health Check
- in some workplaces
There are also home blood pressure monitors that can help you keep levels in check in the comfort of your own home.
Things that may increase your risk of high blood pressure
There are a number of things that can increase the chances of you having high blood pressure.
It is not always clear what the cause it but making healthy choices and small lifestyle swaps can help you avoid the issue or help you lower your blood pressure if you have been told it is a little high.
According to the NHS you may be more at risk if:
- are overweight
- eat too much salt and do not eat enough fruit and vegetables
- do not do enough exercise
- drink too much alcohol or coffee (or other caffeine-based drinks)
- smoke
- have a lot of stress
- are over 65
- have a relative with high blood pressure
- are of black African or black Caribbean descent
- live in a deprived area
Underlying health conditions may be the cause of high blood pressure in some cases, with taking certain medication also resulting in high levels.
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