High blood pressure is a condition in which the pressure inside a person’s arteries is higher than it should be. It affects one in four people in the UK, but spotting the condition can be difficult because symptoms are rarely noticeable. The best way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have your reading regularly checked, either by your GP or local pharmacist or using a blood pressure monitor at home. Having high blood pressure increases a person’s risk of getting complications, including a heart attack, heart failure, stroke and kidney disease.
But high blood pressure can be prevented or reduced through some simple lifestyle changes, such as eating healthily.
The NHS advises people cut down on the amount of salt int heir food and to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.
It explains: “Salt raises your blood pressure. The more salt you eat, the higher your blood pressure. Aim to eat less than 6g (0.2oz) of salt a day, which is about a teaspoonful.”
But when it comes to popular morning beverage coffee, the health body advises people cut down on their consumption.
It says: “Drinking more than four cups of coffee a day may increase your blood pressure.”
Research has indicated the caffeine from coffee may increase blood pressure for a short time after drinking.
A review of 34 studies showed 200-300mg of caffeine from coffee resulted in an average increase of 8mmHg and 6mmHg in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
The effect was observed for up to three hours after consumption, and results were similar in people with normal blood pressure and those with pre-existing high blood pressure.
Regular coffee consumption is not associated with the same impact on blood pressure.
Researchers say this may be due to the caffeine tolerance that develops when a person habitually drinks it.
But the NHS still advises: “If you’re a big fan of coffee, tea or other caffeine-rich drinks, such as cola and some energy drinks, consider cutting down.