These are the red flags of the 'silent but deadly' condition that one in three Brits are affected by.
Many health conditions often start symptomless, making them hard to detect and get sorted at the first sign of a problem.
And in the UK, one in three people suffer from a ‘silent’ condition which has the potential to be ‘deadly’ if it’s left untreated for years.
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Often, the condition does not make itself known in a dangerous way until it triggers a major health risk. And according to the Express, it is estimated that half of the people who suffer from it have no idea.
Because of this, the condition has been nicknamed the ‘silent killer’, but of course, there are things you can do to keep yourself in a healthy position.
The medical term for the condition is hypertension, but is more commonly known as high blood pressure.
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The condition forces your heart to pump harder in order to be able to pump blood around the body. The added strain burdens your heart, as well as other vital organs such as blood vessels.
This could lead to much more severe health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, strokes, heart failure, and heart attacks.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), said: “Most people with hypertension don't feel any symptoms. Checking your blood pressure is the best way to know if you have high blood pressure.
“If hypertension isn't treated, it can lead to other health problems like kidney disease, heart disease and stroke.”
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Two symptoms that could indicate your blood pressure is too high are chest pain and an abnormal heart rate.
WHO also list other symptoms, which can include:
- Severe headaches
- Dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision or other vision changes
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Buzzing in the ears
- Nose bleeds
The health authority added: “If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and a high blood pressure, seek care immediately.
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“The only way to detect hypertension is to have a health professional measure blood pressure. Having blood pressure measured is quick and painless.
Lifestyle choices can increase your chances of raising blood pressure, such as being overweight, not doing enough exercise, smoking, consuming too much caffeine, and much more.
It’s also important to look out for medications which can increase your blood pressure.
The contraceptive pill and steroids have also been associated with hypertension.
Mia Williams