Professor MacGregor argues you’re never too young to have your blood pressure checked – and it’s a good habit to get into before it becomes an issue.

‘Your health professional will never diagnose high blood pressure on the basis of one reading alone,’ says Professor MacGregor.

‘Your blood pressure does fluctuate according to what’s going on in your life and more immediate factors such as rushing to get somewhere or taking it immediately after exercising hard.’

• White coat hypertension: Some people do  appear to have high blood pressure which appears to be related to seeing a health professional  and for them taking their own readings at home with a blood pressure monitor  at home may be a better option.  Choose one approved by  the Blood Pressure Association
• Ambulatory monitors: Doctors can also send you home with an ambulatory blood pressure monitor which takes readings  at regular intervals over 24 hours to get a truer picture of what your blood pressure is.

Blood pressure readings have two numbers: for example 140/90mmHg.

·        Systolic reading: The top number is your systolic blood pressure, (this is the highest pressure when your heart beats and pushes the blood round your body).

·        Diastolic: The bottom one is your diastolic blood pressure, (the lowest pressure when your heart relaxes between beats).

 ‘Although the official threshold for treating high blood pressure with medication is 140 / 90 – that doesn’t mean that people with systolic readings lower than that don’t have raised blood pressure – anything above 120 systolic needs bringing down and keeping an eye on – and that’s about 80 per cent of the population, ‘explains Professor MacGregor.

‘If you keep your blood pressure down from a younger age with diet and lifestyle changes it can prevent you needing medication later on.’

Interpreting your blood pressure reading can be confusing, but here are some figures to bear in mind.

• Low blood pressure : Lower than 90/60mmHg.Only one of the numbers has to be lower than it should be to count as low blood pressure.
• Optimal blood pressure = 120/80
• Intermediate/ Normal blood pressure:  From 120 /80 to 140/90. This is normal but still higher than it should be and needs controlling with diet and lifestyle changes but does not warrant medication.
• High blood pressure: Anything over 140/90. You may also have high blood pressure if just one of these figures is higher over a number of weeks. You are likely to need medication to bring it down.

There are a number of lifestyle changes which will bring down your blood pressure . These include:

• Cutting down on salt: ‘Eating too much salt is a major cause of high blood pressure,’ explains Professor MacGregor. ‘ The maximum recommended daily intake is 6g a day for adults – but most of us eat nearer 12g a day.

‘Salt is hidden in a lot of processed foods including bread which accounts for 20 per cent of our daily salt intake. It’s also used in pizzas, ready meals , soups and stock cubes. The best way to cut down is to cook  fresh foods from scratch – but if you are pushed for time – check the labels and choose low salt versions.’

• Eating more fruit and vegetables: They contain potassium which reduces your blood pressure – aim for at least five portions a day.
• Exercising regularly: Regular aerobic activity is good for your heart and arteries. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure check it’s safe for you to exercise with your GP or practice nurse first. The best types of aerobic exercise are brisk walking , jogging, cycling , swimming, dancing, tennis and digging the garden. Don’t try sprinting, squash or weightlifting though – they will rapidly raise your blood pressure and put unwarranted strain on your blood vessels and heart.
• Keeping to a healthy weight: It will stop you putting a strain on your heart and arteries. Check your Body Mass Index and if you’re overweight aim to lose five to 10 per cent of your body weight over 3 to 6 months.
• Cutting back on alcohol;  Excessive drinking raises your blood pressure.According to the Department of Health men who consume more than 8 units a day (more than double the recommended maximum daily intake)  and women who consume more than six units a day (more than double the maximum recommended number of units) are four times more likely to develop high blood pressure.