More than one in four adults in the UK will suffer from high blood pressure, although they may not realise it.

Symptoms of the condition can go unnoticed and to only way to find out is to have your blood pressure checked.

But there are ways to reduce high blood pressure, known as hypertension, LloydsPharmacy Pharmacist Anshu Kaura has told Daily Star Online.

The health expert claims there are six reasons why your blood pressure can be high.

“Hypertension becomes more common as we age”

Anshu Kaura

Age:

High blood pressure is most common in people over the age of 60.

Anshu explained: “Hypertension becomes more common as we age, and you are particularly at risk if you are over the age of 65.

“Research suggests that this is potentially due to the fact that blood vessels naturally ‘harden’ with age, causing them to lose their elasticity.

“If you are under the age of 80, your doctor is likely to prescribe you with medicines to help reduce your blood pressure, such as a calcium channel blocker, which work to reduce blood pressure by widening the blood vessels.”

Lack of sleep:

Sleep deprivation could cause hypertension can increase the chances of high blood pressure.

Anshu suggests having regular sleeping hours each night and making sure to wind down before going to bed.

She added: “Relaxation such as light yoga can help you to feel more relaxed before bed, or a warm bath can help your body to reach a temperature which is ideal for sleeping.

“If you are struggling with insomnia, visit your pharmacist for advice.”

Being overweight:

Not only does being overweight increase the risk of a range of health conditions, it’s one of the main culprits for high blood pressure.

“Being overweight carries many risks factors for your health, including high blood pressure and poor health,” Anshu explained.

She continued: “This is likely linked to a poor diet and lack of exercise, both of which can lead to a range of health conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and even poor mental function.

“Simple exercises such as swimming and walking can help to reduce blood pressure, as well as aid weight loss, which is essential for improving heart health.

“You should also try to make simple dietary changes, such as cutting down on sugary drinks and eating fibre-rich foods.”

Too much salt:

High salt levels are known to cause hypertension as they can reduce your kidney’s ability to absorb water and therefore cause extra strain on the blood vessels, which can lead to high blood pressure.

Cutting down on salt intake is one of the quickest ways to lower your blood pressure, so it’s always recommended to check food labels.

An underlying health condition:

High blood pressure is occasionally caused by underlying health conditions or taking certain medications associated with them.

Anshu suggests visiting your local GP for advice if you think you may have an underlying health conditions.

Excessive alcohol consumption:

Chugging too much alcohol is another known cause of high blood pressure.

Be sure to consume no more than 14 units of alcohol each week and aim to spread your drinking over a few days.

“Regularly drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure over time, so it is strongly recommended that you stay within the recommended levels in order to reduce your risk,” the pharmacist concluded.

What is high blood pressure?

Blood pressure is recorded with two numbers. The systolic pressure (high number) is the force in which heart pumps blood around the body.

The diastolic pressure (lower number) is the resistance to the blood flow in the vessels.

If you’re worried you may have high blood pressure, the NHS recommends visiting your local GP for a check-up.

• High blood pressure

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