HIGH blood pressure symptoms could be difficult to spot, which is why hypertension is often named ‘the silent killer’. But you could be at risk of high blood pressure if you have these tell-tale signs. High blood pressure is a common condition that affects more than 25 per cent of all adults in the UK. The condition, which is also known as hypertension, is caused by eating an unhealthy diet, being overweight, eating too much salt, or not doing enough exercise. Having hypertension puts extra stress on blood vessels and vital organs, including the heart.

But most people with high blood pressure don’t have any signs or symptoms, it’s been revealed. While a majority of people with hypertension don’t have any warning signs, having extremely high blood pressure could cause some tell-tale signs. Headaches and chest pain may be caused by high blood pressure, claimed Bupa UK. The condition could also lead to stomach pain and feeling short of breath, it added.

“High blood pressure [hypertension] is a serious condition that can affect anyone,” said Bupa.

“A significant majority of people with high blood pressure don’t have any symptoms and aren’t aware of their condition.

“But rarely, high blood pressure causes one or more of the following: headaches, shortness of breath, chest pain, stomach pain.

“You may want to see your GP if you get a combination of any of these symptoms frequently.

“They may indicate high blood pressure or something else that needs to be treated.”

Even though high blood pressure has no obvious warning signs in most cases, it can be identified by regular checks, it added. Everyone over the age of 40 should check their blood pressure at least every five years. If your blood pressure readings are borderline high, you could be asked to go back for regular checkups. You could lower your risk of hypertension by eating a healthy, balanced diet, said the NHS. It’s important to cut back on the amount of salt you eat, as it raises blood pressure. Everyone should aim to eat less than 6g of salt in a single day – about the equivalent to a teaspoonful. Regular exercise is also an important aspect to reducing your hypertension risk. It’s recommended that everybody does at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week.

Original article: https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1045965/high-blood-pressure-symptoms-signs-hypertension-chest-pain