Living with High Blood Pressure
It is estimated that one in three adults in the UK have high blood pressure - often labelled the ‘silent killer’ as symptoms are rarely detected. You would only know you have the condition if you get your blood pressure measured.
What your blood pressure numbers mean?
Blood pressure is the force that blood applies to the walls of your arteries as it’s pumped through out the body. Your arteries are built to withstand some pressure but there is limit to what they can handle.
Every blood pressure reading consists of two numbered, shown as one number on top of the other. The first (top) number is your systolic blood pressure. It is the highest level your pressure reaches when your heart beats.The second (or bottom) number is your diastolic blood pressure. It is the lowest level your blood pressure reaches as your heart relaxes between beats.
There are four blood pressure categories:
Normal Blood Pressure: Lower than 120/80 mmHg
Elevated Blood Pressure: Between 120-129/80 mmHg
High Blood Pressure, stage 1: Between 130-139/80-90 mmHg
High Blood pressure, Stage 2: 140/90 mmHg or higher
Only normal blood pressure is considered healthy. Having elevated or high blood pressure damages your heart as it forces your heart to pump harder. Over time this causes the heart muscle to thicken, making it harder for the heart to fill and pump blood. Furthermore, it also causes narrowing and hardening of your arteries, limiting the normal flow.
You can check your blood pressure reading here.
Treating High Blood Pressure
Luckily high blood pressure is one of the most preventable and treatable health conditions. Every 10mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events by 20%. If at risk your GP will administer you medicine.
However, simple lifestyle changes can also help reduce high blood pressure:
Losing weight – You can read our blog on Improving your Health, Fitness and Lifestyle.
Cut down on your salt intake to less than 6g a day (a teaspoon)
Drink less caffeine
Stop smoking
A balanced diet
Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink
Reducing stress
Monitoring your blood pressure at home and seeing a doctor regularly
Get support
Asking your GP what your blood pressure treatment goal should be is also advised. Ideally if you’re a healthy adult over 40 you should check your blood pressure at least once every five years. If you’re already at an increased risk you should be checking more often.
We are here to help
We are available Monday – Friday 9am to 8pm. Contact us to request specialist help.
Email: info@harleystreet104.com
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7935 6554