Head of audiology of Bayfields Opticians, Paul Jackson, pointed out one unexpected warning sign of high blood pressure – tinnitus. “Tinnitus is described as any noise you can hear that’s not in the environment,” Jackson explained. “Some people experience a ringing, while some hear more of static-type sound.
Signs of high blood pressure
The Mayo Clinic highlighted a few warning signs of high blood pressure. This includes:
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds.
What is high blood pressure?
The NHS pointed out that a reading above 140/90mmHg is considered high blood pressure.
Risk factors include:
- Age – the risk of developing high blood pressure increases as you get older
- A family history of high blood pressure – the condition seems to run in families
- Being of Afro-Caribbean or South Asian origin
- High-fat diet
- High amount of salt in your diet
- Lack of exercise
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Stress.
Diabetes and kidney disease have also been linked to high blood pressure.
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For an accurate diagnosis, you need to have regular blood pressure check-ups.
This can be done at home with a blood pressure monitor, at a pharmacy, or at a doctor’s practice.
Bear in mind that some people might have elevated blood pressure readings at the doctor’s clinic.
This is because feelings of anxiety or stress when you visit your GP can interfere with your blood pressure reading.
Treating high blood pressure
If you’ve established you have elevated or high blood pressure, how can you reduce your reading?
The NHS recommend “regular exercise of at least 30 minutes a day”.
Activities can include walking, cycling, or swimming to help bring down your blood pressure in the long term.
Other lifestyle measures include losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and restricting your caffeine consumption.