High blood pressure: Six signs you might need to lower your reading

Chris Evans reveals his wife gave him a blood pressure monitor

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Knowing your blood pressure can save your life, said the British Heart Foundation (BHF). Consistently high readings are an indicator you’re at an increased risk of a stroke or heart attack. Medically known as hypertension, a blood pressure reading of 140/90mmHg or higher suggests you might need to make some lifestyle adjustments. Most people have their blood pressure checked at the GP’s surgery, and do you ever ask what your reading is?

Time in between GP appointments can vary, so are you on top of your blood pressure?

One sign that you could have hypertension is if you suffer from blurred vision, said the BHF.

Another possible waring sign is if you have out-of-the-blue nosebleeds, headaches or chest pain.

Other indications of hypertension include dizziness and/or shortness of breath.

The BHF stated that one in four adults in the UK have high blood pressure.

After the age of 40, a free NHS Health check is conducted every five years, where the GP will measure your blood pressure.

Within that time, you are able to check your blood pressure readings at some pharmacies, and blood pressure monitor kits are sold in places like Boots.

Adults should aim for a blood pressure reading lower than 140/90mmHg whenever possible.

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Lifestyle choices can play a key part in blood pressure readings, with people more at risk of the condition if they:

• Smoke
• Overeat
• Don’t exercise
• Eat too much salt
• Drink too much alcohol

Unfortunately, some healthy adults can still be at risk of the condition if it has a genetic link.

However, leading a healthy lifestyle “may still be able to improve blood pressure”.

“High blood pressure is serious,” warned the BHF – it could cut years off your life.

The four key ways to help get your blood pressure down is to:

1. Eat more fruit and vegetables
2. Reduce how much alcohol you drink
3. Be more active
4. Lose weight

The BHF suggest dietary swaps that can help you achieve your goal of a healthy blood pressure reading.

For example, instead of crisps, chocolate or sweets, munch on fruit, unsalted nuts or popcorn.

Another key trick is to replace any salt on your good with pepper, herbs and spices.

As for increasing activity levels, the BHF suggest taking the stairs any time there is an opportunity to do so (if you’re able-bodied).

Another tip is to turn a leisurely stroll into a brisk walk, where you start to feel a bit warm.

As for cutting down on drinking alcohol, with coronavirus restrictions soon easing from April 12, opt for a half pint of beer instead of a full pint.

Even better, the next time you’re out for dinner, choose to have water instead.

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