Hypertension

Hypertension or high blood pressure can increase your risk of a number of serious health conditions, such as heart attack and stroke. But high blood pressure often has no symptoms, so without regular testing, you may not know it is affecting your health. It’s important to recognise high blood pressure can be a problem at any age.

Why is high blood pressure an issue?

Blood pressure is the amount of force placed on the walls of your arteries by blood being pumped around the body. When blood pressure is high, the added stress can increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis — build up of fatty deposits in the arteries — which increases the risk of heart disease. The longer blood pressure is high, the greater the risk to your health.

How can you reduce your risk of high blood pressure?

Consume a diet low in salt. While limiting the amount of salt we add to foods is important, some people may be surprised to know that the majority of salt in an average diet is not added when preparing foods, but “hidden” in processed foods. Look for low-salt foods (less than 120mg of sodium per 100g) and avoid high-salt foods where possible (greater than 500mg of sodium per 100g).
Enjoying regular physical activity. Try to be physically active on most days for at least 30 minutes. If you can, enjoy some regular, vigorous activity three or four days a week.
Limit alcohol consumption. Try non-alcoholic drinks, such as freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices or mineral water instead of alcoholic beverages.
Maintain a healthy body weight. Try to keep your weight within the healthy weight range. If you’d like more information speak with our nutritionists by calling 1800 673 392.