High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, describes the force of blood pushing against your artery walls. This force naturally fluctuates throughout the day, but if you have high blood pressure the force is moving at a destructive pace. There are no obvious signs that this process is happening, which is why high blood pressure is commonly referred to as “the silent killer”.
Systolic blood pressure (the first number) – indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls when the heart beats.
Diastolic blood pressure (the second number) – indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls while the heart is resting between beats.
According to Blood Pressure UK, a reduction in systolic blood pressure is particularly important because it gives the best indicator of your risk of having a stroke or heart attack.
According to another study, a time-released (administered in small amounts over time) garlic extract preparation may have a greater effect on blood pressure than regular garlic powder tablets.
According to the NHS, you should aim to eat less than 6g (0.2oz) of salt a day, which is about a teaspoonful.
“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,” explains the health site.
The health body says aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables every day.
“Adults should do at least 150 minutes (two hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as cycling or fast walking, every week,” it adds.