High blood pressure (hypertension) affects more than 1 in 4 adults.

In England, there are over 5 million people unaware that they have high blood pressure.

High blood pressure doesn’t have noticeable symptions so the only way to know if you suffer from hypertension is to have your blood pressure checked.

It is recommended that healthy adults should have their blood pressure checked at least every five years.

You should have your blood pressure checked once a year if you have an increased risk of high blood pressure.

The blood pressure test only takes several minutes and involves a cuff being placed around your arm and pumped up to restrict the blood flow. The pressure is slowly released as your pulse is checked. How your pulse beats after the cuff is released allows a measurement to be taken, the blood pressure reading.

Blood pressure testing is available at various places such as your GP surgery and at a pharmacy. You can also check your blood pressure yourself with a home testing kit.

Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHG) and is recorded as two numbers:
-Systolic (the top number) is the higher of the two numbers and is the pressure of the blood when your heart beats.
-Diastolic (the bottom number) is the the lower of the two numbers and is the pressure of the blood when your heart rests in between beats.

Normal blood pressure should have a reading below 120/80mmHG.

A constant reading of 140/90mmHg is consideredto be high blood pressure.

There is medication to lower blood pressusre such as beta-blockers and diuretics. But like every medication they come with side effects. One of the side effects for men is erectile dysfunction.

If high blood pressure is left untreated it can increase your risk of heart failure, stroke or dementia.

If you have any concerns that you have high blood pressure (hypertension), please see your GP.

If you think you suffer from erectile dysfunction, please go to, www.ukmeds4u.com for your free e-consultation.