Known as the "silent killer" high blood pressure (hypertension) rarely has obvious symptoms.

All adults should have their blood pressure checked at least every five years. If you haven’t had yours measured, or you don’t know what your blood pressure reading is, ask your GP to check it for you.

Your chances of having high blood pressure increase as you get older. There is often no clear cause of high blood pressure but you are at increased risk if you:

• are overweight

• have a relative with high blood pressure
• smoke
• are of African or Caribbean descent
• eat too much salt
• don't eat enough fruit and vegetables
• don't do enough exercise
• drink too much coffee (or other caffeine-based drinks)
• drink too much alcohol
• are aged over 65

If your blood pressure is found to be high, it will need to be closely monitored until it is brought under control. Your doctor will usually suggest changes to your lifestyle and, sometimes, medication to achieve this.

All people diagnosed with hypertension  should undergo review at least once every 6 month. Your review will allow your doctors to monitor your health.

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