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Hypertension or high blood pressure occurs when the pressure of your blood against the artery walls is too high. A silent killer - you can't see hypertension, but know the symptoms.

A normal blood pressure for adults over 18 years old is considered to be below 130/85, with a reading of 140/90 rated as high. All adults should have their blood pressure checked once a year, and if normal once every three years.

Those most likely to develop high blood pressure are people with :

• A family history of high blood pressure
• High salt intake
• Lack of exercise
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• A low intake of potassium

High Blood Pressure increases the risk of angina, diabetes, heart failure, high cholestrol, kidney failure and vision impairment.

If you fall within one of the high risk categories above, the following steps are essential to help control high blood pressure :

• Follow a healthy diet with less saturated fat (milk, cheese, meat) and lots of potassium (orange juice, potatoes), calcium and magnesium (leafy green vegetables).
  
  
• Lose weight if necessary, especially if you tend to gain weight around the waist rather than the hips and thighs.
  
  
• Regular exercise will help lower your blood pressure and will also help you lose weight!
  
  
• Stop smoking and reduce your alcohol intake to two drinks or less per day.
  
  
• Cut down on your salt intake.

If a change in lifestyle does not bring the problem under control, your doctor may need to consider medication. Fortunately, medication is both effective and affordable and your local doctor will prescribe the correct treatment suitable to you.

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