Dubbed the “silent killer”, and rightly so, high blood pressure puts a person at increased risk of a premature death. Could one type of ache be indicative of the condition?
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) explained: “Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in your arteries”.
The arteries are vessels that carry blood from your heart to your brain and the rest of the body.
If your blood pressure is consistently high, this is known as hypertension.
Hypertension can damage the arteries, and will force your heart to work harder to pump blood around the body.
Typically, a person develops high blood pressure because of their diet and lifestyle choices.
Although, increasing age, genetics and other medical conditions could contribute to the onset of hypertension.
You can have your blood pressure checked at the doctor’s – and, when you do, ask for your reading.
The readings consists of two numbers, measuring the systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
An example of an ideal blood pressure reading is 120/80mmHg; the first number is the systolic blood pressure reading.
The second number is the diastolic blood pressure reading, and they’re both important.
Some pharmacies also offer the option to have your blood pressure monitored, and online kits are available to order.
Most people who have high blood pressure feel fine, but there is one subtle warning sign of the condition.
According to the BHF, a person suffering from high blood pressure may get headaches.
Other symptoms of the condition – that may be disregarded – are blurred vision and feeling dizzy.
Some people may experience nosebleeds, shortness of breath or chest pain.
What about if you already know you’ve got high blood pressure, but you can’t keep track of it at home?
Aside the subtle warning signs above, the best thing you can do is make sure your lifestyle choices bring down your reading.
In order to do so, there are four key factors that could lower your blood pressure reading.
These are: eating more fruits and vegetables, while cutting down on salt; reducing your alcohol consumption; being more active; and losing weight.
To delve into these four factors in more depth, here’s a good way to reduce your salt intake: don’t add any salt to your cooking.
The ideal limit for men and women, in regards to alcohol consumption, is three units per day – equivalent to one pint of lager, beer or cider, or one large glass (250ml) of wine.
Try to move your body about for at least 150 minutes per week which, in turn, will help you to lose weight.
It’s vital to incorporate more exercise into your everyday routine, which can start with a daily walk.
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