First of all, what is high blood pressure? We hear the phrase and think we understand, but do we really know what it means and what the implications could be?

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in the arteries as it is being pumped around the body by the heart. When your blood pressure exceeds an upper limit for an extended time, you have high blood pressure, or hypertension.

In adults high blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure (when my heart is contracting) of 140 or more, and or a diastolic pressure (when the heart is relaxing) of 90 or more.

However, to get a true picture, it may be worth getting your blood pressure measured more than once. Going to the doctor can be stressful (white coat syndrome) and stress can cause it to arise.

Why is high blood pressure dangerous?

High blood pressure is dangerous because the heart, brain and kidneys can withstand increased blood pressure for long periods, and people with high blood pressure may feel perfectly well for years.

But that doesn’t mean it isn’t doing damage if it is not controlled. High blood pressure can overload the heart accelerating the artery clogging process known as atherosciences. This in turn can lead to heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and kidney failure.

Why should people check their blood pressure?

All adults should have their blood pressure checked every 1 to 2 years although anyone with a direct family history of it should have a chat tomorrow afternoon.

Adults who experience symptoms of hypertension such as swollen ankles and fingers, breathlessness, blurred vision, frequently bleeding nose and persistent morning headaches, should have the blood pressure checked immediately.

Do you need medication to control high blood pressure?

While it is true that many people need drugs to control her blood pressure, others can reduce it, or lower the dose of the drugs needed to control it, with lifestyle changes.

A healthy diet alone maybe all that is needed to reduce blood pressure.

An American study showed that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy foods, and high in fibre and protein, is sufficient to significantly reduce blood pressure in people with mild hypertension.

For anyone with more severe hypertension it is advised that, along with a healthy diet, they lower the alcohol and salt intake to lose weight, and exercise regularly.

Mayfair we care.