There are certain factors which increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, but there is no specific cause. The best way to avoid developing high blood pressure is to keep a healthy and balanced diet, partake in regular exercise and avoid smoking and drinking excessive alcohol. Below are a few facts about this health issue you might be interested in reading.

Who’s most at risk of developing high blood pressure?
Unfortunately the risk of developing high blood pressure increases with age. In addition, if you have a family history of high blood pressure, this may mean you’re more likely to develop it too.

Does your diet affect your blood pressure?
Being overweight increases your chances of developing high blood pressure. Eating too much salt, fat and sugar leads to weight gain and fatty deposits in the arteries which could lead to heart-related illnesses. Maintaining a balanced and healthy diet—rich in fruit and vegetables and low in sodium—is the best way to keep those arteries healthy.

Are you caffeine sensitive?
It is thought that caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea and fizzy drinks cause a spike in your blood pressure but it is still unclear whether these effects are short or long term. You can test to see if caffeine affects your pressure by checking your pressure after 30 minutes of drinking coffee. You may be sensitive to caffeine if your pressure increases by five to 10 points.

Should you take out health insurance?
Many people decide to take out health insurance just to be on the safe side – even top athletes, in amazing physical condition, generally have some sort of health cover. Before you take out any insurance it is worth seeking advice from your friends and family, as well as researching deals thoroughly browsing through comparison websites.