Having high blood pressure is an extremely common condition that affects millions of Brits every year - and it can become life-threatening if left unnoticed.
It is believed that one in four adults have hypertension (high blood pressure), but are unaware of the risk it poses, reports the Mirror.
The common condition could end up leading to some deadly complications, like a heart attack or even a stroke.
High blood pressure could be caused by many things, including having an unhealthy eating schedule, or by not partaking in enough exercise.
There are five key things people should be aware of when it comes to the 'silent killer', high blood pressure - it could seriously lower their risks of complications by knowing what to be on the look out for.
Being aware of it
High blood pressure is often described as a silent killer, because there are no obvious signs or symptoms.
In some cases, patients aren't even aware they have it until something serious happens, like a heart attack.
Up to five million people in the UK have undiagnosed high blood pressure, according to the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
Reading the reading
What your blood pressure reads as will be key to the diagnosis from your doctor.
The reading is taken by analysing two numbers - one being your systolic blood pressure (what happens when the heart squeezes), and the other being your diastolic blood pressure (when the heart relaxes).
It is measured in millimetres of mercury - mmHg - and anything over 140/90mmHg is considered high.
Getting it checked out
You should be getting your blood pressure checked at least once every five years, according to Blood Pressure UK.
If you already know you have high blood pressure, you should be getting it checked out much more regularly.
The best place to get your blood pressure reading is at your local doctor's surgery, but you could also try chemists or even some workplaces.
Work it away
Getting some exercise is one of the most helpful ways to avoid high blood pressure, and keeping it in check.
Most adults should be aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week - moderate meaning that you are out of breath while working out.
However, you should avoid exercise that would cause a sudden spike in your blood pressure - like weightlifting.
Don't drink your sorrows away
A healthy diet is vital for keeping hypertension at bay - and drinking alcohol can increase your risk of high blood pressure.
People should avoid heavily drinking or long periods of alcohol consumption, according to the British Heart Foundation.
It is also a good idea to incorporate lots of water into your diet, as well as eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day.
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