Have you checked your blood pressure recently?
Today marks World Hypertension Day and myBP.ie is challenging you and your family to get your blood pressure checked.
The encouragement comes as six out of 10 adults over the age of 50, have high blood pressure in Ireland.
Shockingly half of those two-thirds of the over 50 population who have hypertension, do not realise they even have it.
MyBP.ie is asking you to check your blood pressure regularly and make it a family affair by encouraging those nearest and dearest to you, to get it routinely tested too.
Hypertension, if untreated, is a major risk factor for heart and kidney diseases, stroke and heart failure, according to MyBP.ie.
The organisation has added that those taking blood pressure medication, half are not controlled and the only way to know you have high blood pressure is by having is routinely monitored.
According to the Mayo Clinic, detecting hypertension can be very deceptive, with no signs or symptoms appearing even when blood pressure readings reach a dangerously high level.
Only a few people with high blood pressure may experience headaches, shortness of breath or nosebleeds, but these signs and symptoms aren't specific and usually don't occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening stage, said the Mayo Clinic.
The Clinic defines blood pressure as determined both by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries.
The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.
MyBP.ie recommend three key factors to help you manage your high blood pressure.
Exercising can be beneficial and you can incorporate it with simple lifestyle changes that can improve your overall heart health.
Your diet plays a ‘crucial role’ according to myBP.ie in your overall health and your blood pressure, in particular, talk to your healthcare professional about making these dietary switches.
Additionally, stress is another impact to keeping your high blood pressure in check, speak to your GP about stress-management and your blood pressure.
Of course, if embarking on a new lifestyle talk to your doctor before you begin.
