High blood pressure symptoms can be difficult to spot, as most people don’t show any signs of hypertension. But these are four symptoms that could reveal your risk of extremely high blood pressure.
High blood pressure affects more than 25 per cent of all UK adults.
The condition, which is also known as hypertension, puts extra stress on blood vessels and vital organs.
Left untreated, high blood pressure increases the risk of serious complications, including heart attacks and strokes. The only way of knowing if you’re at risk of high blood pressure is to get it checked, but there are some warning signs to watch out for.
Hypertension: A common health problem in Nepal
“High blood pressure has few obvious symptoms,” warned Bupa UK. “But it can be identified by regular checks and treated through changes to your lifestyle as well as medication.
“A significant majority of people with high blood pressure don’t have any symptoms and aren’t aware of their condition.”
Patients with extremely high blood pressure may have severe headaches, it said. Chest pain, shortness of breath and dizziness may also be signs of hypertension. Speak to a GP if you’re worried about signs or symptoms of high blood pressure, it added.
“The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have tests,” said Bupa. “It’s good to get your blood pressure checked at least every five years. Spotting any problems as early as possible reduces the risk of complications. “If your levels are borderline ‘high’ you may be asked to come back for regular checks to see if your blood pressure increases.”
It’s not always clear what causes hypertension, but those most at risk are people over the age of 65, or are overweight.
Making some diet or lifestyle changes could help to reduce blood pressure, said the NHS.
Cutting back on the amount of salt you eat is one of the best ways to avoid hypertension.
Everyone should aim to eat less than 6g of salt in a single day - about the equivalent to a teaspoonful.
Regular exercise could help patients to lose weight, which in turn, will help to lower blood pressure.
Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week.
