High Blood Pressure

The following factors influence whether you have high blood pressure (hypertension):

• family history of high blood pressure
• poor diet with high salt intake
• lack of exercise
• obesity / being overweight
• smoking
• excessive alcohol consumption

High blood pressure can often be lowered with simple lifestyle changes to combat these factors.

High blood pressure over a period of time can increase your risk of angina, heart attack or a stroke.

High blood pressure is usually silent and doesn’t present with any symptoms. Usually hypertension is only diagnosed when blood pressure is measured incidentally or when it results in a heart condition or a stroke.

Regular blood pressure checks are vital and you can ask a pharmacist or your GP to check it for you.

If you suspect you have high blood pressure, you can book an appointment to see Dr Modi. He would be able to measure your blood pressure (including the option to see how it changes over a 24-hour period). He can make recommendations about lifestyle factors and offer treatments if required.