What’s causing your high blood pressure?

It’s known as the “silent killer”. A common condition that often doesn’t display any symptoms at all. Until it’s too late. And according to research by the British Heart Foundation, four million people in the UK are currently living with it untreated.

We’re talking about high blood pressure, also known as hypertension; a condition that can lead to heart damage, stroke, kidney problems and many other serious health complications. Thankfully, there is a simple test that can detect it and it’s available as part of the new Health Assessment Plus service at YourGP.

This service has helped countless patients gain a more comprehensive understanding of their health. For many people, this has spurred them on to make a series of lifestyle changes which has dramatically improved their overall health and wellbeing. Because even for those who think they’re leading a reasonably healthy life, the results of a blood pressure test can tell a different story…

What can a blood pressure test tell us?

A blood pressure test measures the pressure inside your arteries as your heart pumps blood. Your blood pressure changes continually depending on a whole range of things such as how active you are, your diet, temperature, emotional state, or current medication, for example. However, when resting, we would expect to see your blood pressure sit within a certain range. Figures outwith this range can be an indication of a health issue.

A healthy blood pressure reading should be around 120/80mmHg. Anything significantly above or below that level will need to be investigated. For instance, a figure of 140/90 or higher would suggest high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. On the other hand, a figure of 90/60 or lower would suggest low blood pressure, also known as hypotension.

Who is at risk of high blood pressure?

There are certain factors that can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure such as:

• Being over the age of age 60
• Having a family history of high blood pressure or heart disease
• Being of Asian or African-Caribbean descent

That said, it is important to recognise that we are all at risk of high blood pressure. In fact, the condition is thought to affect around 1 in 3 adults in the UK.

5 ways to lower your high blood pressure

1. Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight can greatly increase your risk of high blood pressure. A BMI check (also included in the Health Assessment Plus service at YourGP) will show you whether or not you are within a healthy weight range.
2. Exercise regularly: From Zumba to sea swimming, hockey to hiking – it doesn’t matter how you exercise, just make sure you’re doing it regularly. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity per week, depending on your exercise of choice.
3. Reduce your salt intake: Whilst prepared packaged meals might seem like the convenient choice, they often have an extremely high salt content. So wherever and whenever possible, cook from scratch using fresh ingredients and be mindful of how much salt you’re having on a daily basis.
4. Eat more fruit and vegetables: Aiming for a balanced diet that contains a rainbow of fruit and vegetables will give your body all the essential nutrients it needs to lower your blood pressure.
5. Reduce your alcohol intake: Alcohol can cause your blood vessel muscles to narrow, making it more difficult for your heart to pump blood around the body, which in turn increases your blood pressure. So aim to keep within the recommended guidelines of no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, spread across 3 days or more. Or better yet, cut it out completely – there are now plenty of alcohol-free options readily available at bars and supermarkets.

YourGP – here to help keep your heart healthy

If you’re keen to get a better idea of your overall health, book a Health Assessment Plus at YourGP today. You can use our simple online booking system, email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.

Alternatively, get in touch with our Occupational Health team and we’ll be happy to arrange a visit to your place of work to provide you and your colleagues with blood pressure tests and provide essential lifestyle advice. Simply email occhealth@your.gp for more information.