World Hypertension Day: How to Lower Blood Pressure Naturally
World Hypertension Day takes place every year on 17th May, and it’s the perfect time to raise awareness about the risks of high blood pressure and share simple, natural ways to keep it under control.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects millions of people in the UK. It’s particularly dangerous because it often has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and other serious conditions.
However, there are many ways you can take action to lower your blood pressure naturally and improve your long-term health.
What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension means your blood pressure is consistently too high. Blood pressure is measured with two numbers:
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Systolic pressure – the force your heart uses to pump blood around your body.
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Diastolic pressure – the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
You’re usually considered to have hypertension if your reading is:
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140/90 mmHg or higher when measured by a healthcare professional
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135/85 mmHg or higher when measured at home
It’s often called the “silent killer” because many people don’t realise they have it until complications arise. In fact, an estimated 5.5 million people in the UK are living with undiagnosed hypertension.
Who Is at Risk of High Blood Pressure?
Anyone can develop hypertension, but risk factors include:
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A poor diet (especially too much salt)
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Being overweight or obese
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Smoking
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Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine
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Lack of physical activity
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Long-term stress
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Age, ethnicity, and family history
How to Lower Blood Pressure Naturally
There are many effective ways to prevent or reduce high blood pressure through simple lifestyle changes:
Eat a balanced diet
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Choose fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
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Reduce processed foods and avoid excessive salt.
Get regular exercise
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Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, as recommended by the NHS.
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Walking, swimming, and cycling are great options.
Manage stress
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Chronic stress can raise your blood pressure. Consider relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, mindfulness, or yoga.
Quit smoking
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Smoking damages your blood vessels and significantly increases your risk of heart disease.
Limit alcohol and caffeine
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Too much of either can raise your blood pressure over time. Try to stay within NHS guidelines.
Maintain a healthy weight
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Losing even a small amount of weight can help reduce blood pressure and improve overall health.
How Kamsons Pharmacy Can Help
At Kamsons Pharmacy, we offer free NHS blood pressure checks for adults aged 40 and over (who are not already diagnosed with hypertension). It’s a quick, painless way to check your health and catch any problems early.
If your reading is high, we’ll talk you through the next steps and provide professional advice. Some of our pharmacies also offer support for weight loss and smoking cessation, helping you make healthy changes.
Whether you feel perfectly fine or have concerns about your blood pressure, don’t wait. Visit your nearest Kamsons Pharmacy for a free NHS blood pressure check and friendly advice from our expert team.