High blood pressure or hypertension can seem innocuous at first because it rarely produces symptoms, but it can lead to more serious conditions. That’s because it causes your blood vessels to harden and narrow, which can choke the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. Seeing blood in your urine is a major sign you should not ignore.
Blood Pressure UK said on their website: “How healthy your kidneys are can affect your blood pressure, and vice versa.
“This means that if you have high blood pressure, then you are more likely to have kidney disease.
“Likewise, if you have kidney disease, this can sometimes cause high blood pressure.”
If you notice blood in your urine, known medically as hematuria, this could be a major warning sign of high blood pressure.
READ MORE: How to live longer: A sweet dessert could reduce your risk of high blood pressure
In a study published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, blood and urine cadmium in blood pressure and hypertension was analysed.
The study noted: “Cadmium exposure has been inconsistently related to blood pressure.
“We updated and re evaluated the evidence regarding the relationships of blood cadmium (BCd) and urine cadmium (UCd) with blood pressure (BP) and hypertension (HTN) in non occupationally exposed populations.
“Our results suggest a positive association between BCd and BP among women.”
Sometimes, you can’t see the blood in your urine, said WebMD.
The health site added: “Only a lab test can find the red blood cells, doctors call this microscopic haematuria.
You may not have any other symptoms. But some of the possible causes can have other signs. These include:
- Bladder infections
- Kidney infections
- Kidney stones
- Kidney cancer
- Kidney diseases
When it comes to high blood pressure, thankfully the condition can be reversed with just a few tweaks to one’s lifestyle.
According to the NHS, one should aim to eat less salt, which includes just a teaspoonful a day.
NHS added: “Eating a low-fat diet that includes lots of fibre, such as wholegrain rice, bread and pasta and plenty of fruit and vegetables also helps lower blood pressure.”
For best results, aim to least at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day.