High blood pressure is the silent killer. There are no immediate symptoms, which means that of the estimated 16m people in the UK who have it one third are probably unaware of it. The only way to know is to be checked.

Blood pressure is expressed as a fraction. The top number (the systolic) is the pressure in the arteries as the heart pumps blood. The bottom number (the diastolic) is the pressure as the heart rests.

“High blood pressure is the biggest cause of death and illness because it can cause strokes and heart attacks,” says Graham MacGregor, professor of cardiovascular medicine at St George’s hospital, London. “The point at which we consider treatment is 140/90 but we’re all at risk when the top number is above 110. Every adult should know their number – it’s much more important than knowing your weight.”

Hypertension – the medical term for high blood pressure – can be controlled with drugs, though it is likely to be a lifetime prescription. This month Protherics, a drug firm, claimed to have developed a treatment based on injections of a vaccine to control blood pressure, but it’s too early to assess its effectiveness, says MacGregor.

There are other ways to curb the condition. Most crucially, cut your salt intake to six grams (one teaspoon) a day. Shop-bought bread is a big source of salt, and it’s also in some cereals, cheese and processed foods. To understand how much salt is in sodium, which is given on all food labels, multiply the figure quoted by 2.5.

Next, increase your fruit and vegetable intake, ideally to seven portions a day. Aerobic exercise at least three times a week is essential and while there’s no conclusive evidence that moderate consumption of alcohol is dangerous, young men should not drink more than 3-4 units (about two pints of normal strength beer) a day.

Fatty foods can raise your cholesterol, which makes your arteries narrower and increases blood pressure. Eat fibre-rich foods (porridge, beans, pulses, nuts) to lower cholesterol. Get your GP to measure cholesterol if you’re concerned, since off-the-shelf monitors are not accurate.

TAKING IT FURTHER

www.bhf.org.uk The British Heart Foundation’s site offers a comprehensive guide to controlling your blood pressure

www.bpassoc.org.uk/index.htm The Blood Pressure Association has recipes for salt-free bread and lists recommended blood pressure monitors

www.hyp.ac.uk/cash/index.htm Hold the crisps! Someone in the UK dies every 15 minutes because they eat too much salt, according to the pressure group Consensus Action on Salt and Health

High blood pressure

1 Measuring blood pressure

Blood pressure varies all the time and increases with age. It will be lower if you are watching television than if you are jogging or stressed. A consistent reading of 110/80 or lower is considered normal for an adult, while anything above means you are at risk. 140/90 or higher may need treatment

2 Narrowing of the arteries

Blocked or narrowed arteries restrict the flow of blood, which can cause organ damage. When the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, it is known as a stroke, which can be sudden and devastating, killing brain tissue and causing paralysis. On average, strokes happen to one person every five minutes in the UK

Explore Health

• Expert Advice

• Health Features

• Mental Health

• Alternative Medicine

• Child Health

• Health Club