Hypertension is one of the most common conditions affecting the heart. It refers to a constant elevation of the pressure inside the arteries, this places stress on the heart and the arteries and increases the risk of a heart attack and stroke. Generally speaking the serious effects of high blood pressure occur after many years of ‘poor blood pressure control’
Risk factors for high blood pressure include: being overweight, diabetes, smoking, lack of physical exercise and a poor diet.
Many people do not complain of specific symptoms. Some people experience headaches, visual changes, ‘whooshing’ in the ears or in extreme cases, chest pain or heart failure (severe breathlessness).