High blood pressure on the rise in Britain

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LONDON: A shocking 35% of Brits aged between 16-34 suffer from hypertension, according to a survey released today. The news quashes the belief that high blood pressure only affects the old age.

Experts suggest binge drinking, lack of exercise and poor diet are to blame for the high levels of hypertension recorded, which consequently increases the likelihood of suffering from strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.

Professor Eoin O’Brian, from University College Dublin, warned, ‘People of all ages need to take their blood pressure seriously and re-evaluate their lifestyle to reduce the risk of hypertension.’

The study involved the analysis of 8,586 blood pressure tests, which confirmed a UK average blood pressure reading of 140/86, significantly higher than the recommended reading of 120/80.

Disturbingly, only one in four of those tested had the recommended blood pressure, while more than half had a reading categorised from mild to severe.

Shafeeque Mohammed, a health expert at Lloyds pharmacy who carried out the survey, said that high blood pressure recorded in young people is of particular concern.

Last month, it emerged that Britain’s booze culture had resulted in a huge increase in patients being treated for high blood pressure.

In just five years the number of adults diagnosed with hypertension as a result of excessive drinking has risen by a staggering 74%.

Worryingly, women who drink more than six units of alcohol a day are doubling their risk of developing high blood pressure.