One woman discovered her high level by chance, at the age of 35, when a personal trainer monitored it before a fitness programme. Young men in their 20s are unlikely to seek a check, yet if they drink heavily they are at risk of a rise in pressure. Women expect regular monitoring during pregnancy, but may go years before a further check. Another problem is that many people are fearful about taking appropriate drugs even if they know or suspect their blood pressure is high. It is vitally important.
Blood pressure keeps blood and oxygen circulating.
People with exceptionally low pressure are prone to faints, while abnormally high pressure means the heart has to work extremely hard to keep blood flowing. In time, uncontrolled high pressure leads to structural changes in blood vessels and other organs that increase the risk of clots, arteries furring up with fat and bleeds into the brain. It may also lead to heart or kidney failure. The higher your blood pressure, the greater your risk. Of all preventive health strategies, I would say the benefits of lowering blood pressure are among the best documented.