Dr Chris Steele shares diet tips on reducing blood pressure
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High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, impacts an estimated 14.4 million adults in the UK. The condition does not always show symptoms, though, so it can be hard to tell you have it without regular blood pressure checks.
The NHS states: “Around a third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure, although many will not realise it.”
However, in some cases, people may experience symptoms or side effects.
According to the Texas Heart Institute, these can lead to sensations and pain in the head such as dizziness or a headache.
The Institute explained: “Most people who have high blood pressure do not have symptoms.
“In some cases, people with high blood pressure may have a pounding feeling in their head or chest, a feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness, or other signs.
“Without symptoms, people with high blood pressure may go years without knowing they have the condition.”
However, these symptoms don’t always mean you have high blood pressure and can be caused by other things.
Dizziness is very common and could be caused by a number of conditions, including dehydration or a problem with the ears.
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Headaches can occur due to dehydration, tiredness, hunger or even bad posture.
Often, if they are not serious, headaches can usually be cured with painkillers or by drinking enough water.
Regardless of your symptoms, if you are concerned you may have high blood pressure, it is vital you visit your GP.
Does anything increase your risk of high blood pressure?
According to the NHS, although “it’s not always clear what causes high blood pressure” there are certain lifestyle and hereditary factors which can “increase your risk”.
You might be more at risk if you:
- are overweight
- eat too much salt and do not eat enough fruit and vegetables
- do not do enough exercise
- drink too much alcohol or coffee (or other caffeine-based drinks)
- smoke
- do not get much sleep or have disturbed sleep
- are over 65
- have a relative with high blood pressure
- are of black African or black Caribbean descent
- live in a deprived area
In some cases, making healthy lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of hypertension, or even lower your reading if it has already been deemed as high.
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