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High blood pressure may not necessarily have any noticeable symptoms, but left untreated, it can increase a person’s risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Also known as hypertension, it can be caused by being overweight, eating too much salt, not doing enough exercise, drinking too much alcohol and smoking.
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg), and high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHG or higher.
While it can be treated with medication, there are a number of easy home remedies believed to help lower blood pressure.
There are a number of easy home remedies believed to help lower blood pressure
Medication to lower blood pressure can cause side effects such as leg cramps, dizziness and insomnia, but power walking has been found to lower pressure by almost 8mmHg over 6mmHg.
A Harvard University study found hypertensive patients who went for fitness walks at a brisk pace were able to lower their their blood pressure by this significant amount.
The science behind it? Exercise helps the heart use oxygen more efficiently so it does not work as hard to pump blood.
A vigorous cardio workout of at least 30 minutes on most days can help lower pressure.
To find out if you have high blood pressure you should take a blood pressure test.
NHS Choices said on its website: “All adults over 40 are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least every five years. Getting this done is easy and could save your life.”
Blood pressure can be tests at the following places:
You can also check your blood pressure yourself with a home blood pressure monitor.
While high blood pressure often triggers no symptoms, finding blood in your urine could be a sign.
According to WebMD, high blood pressure is a risk factor for kidney disease – along with diabetes, smoking and obesity – which can cause small amounts of blood when you wee.
But blood in the urine could also be a sign of a UTI, kidney stones or enlarged prostate.
According to Blood Pressure UK you should have a blood pressure reading of below 120 over 80.
Lifestyle factors are often to blame, including eating lots of salty food, a lack of exercise and certain types of stress.
But, suffering pain may also play a role in increasing your reading.
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