Heart

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in your arteries which carry blood from your heart around your body and to your brain.

It is natural for blood pressure to vary slightly throughout the day, but if it is consistently high then you will need to see your doctor.

High blood pressure is known as hypertension and can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Blood Pressure Readings. How high is too high?

Blood pressure readings have two numbers - e.g. 120/80 The systolic number (top reading) is when the heart is contracted and pushing blood around the body.

The diastolic number (lower reading) is blood pressure in between heartbeats.

Normal blood pressure is: 120/80.

Blood pressure between 120/80 and 140/90 can mean you are at risk of developing high blood pressure.

High Blood Pressure is over 140/90

High blood pressure damages the walls of arteries and causes build up of plaque which can narrow or even block the artery. This can lead to increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Blocked arteries can lead to the heart having to work harder to pump blood to other organs. This can lead to heart failure

High blood pressure can cause damage to arteries around the kidneys. This can lead to kidney damage or even kidney failure.

Vision can be impaired due to damage of small blood vessels in the eyes

• Reduce stress
• Exercise regularly
• Eat a healthy diet and reduce weight
• Reduce salt intake

• Limit alcohol
• Stop smoking
• Reduce caffeine
• Supplements