Doctor warns of ‘silent killer’ symptom which could lead to stroke

Millions of people fail to know whether they are at high risk of stroke by not checking one key indicator of their health.

You could be living with a major stroke risk without realising it, as doctors warn one sign could be causing damage for years before a serious issue strikes.

The NHS estimates that around 4.1million people in England right now have high blood pressure without knowing it, and this is the ‘silent killer’ of strokes and heart attacks.

The condition typically displays no obvious symptoms, meaning that more often than not people may feel perfectly healthy, while they’re actually at high risk of one much bigger health emergency.

In fact, high blood pressure is associated with more than half of all strokes worldwide, according to the World Stroke Organisation. And yet, it’s underwhelmingly overlooked, as when pressure continues to be elevated over a long period of time, it can lead to damaged blood vessels which cause narrowing, blockages and even a rupture.

Weighing in on the matter with their expert knowledge is Dr Francesco Lo Monaco, consultant cardiologist and founder of the National Longevity Clinic. They said a lack of symptoms can often be one of the biggest dangers, which is why regular blood checks are vital.

Blood pressure works to measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries and so if it’s too high, it could be placing extra strain on the vessels that supply your heart as well as other vital organs.

He explained: “High blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors we can identify and treat to reduce the risk of stroke. The difficulty is that many people assume they are healthy because they feel well.

“You cannot reliably tell whether your blood pressure is high by how you feel. Someone can be active, appear healthy and have no symptoms at all, yet still have elevated readings that need attention. That is why checking your blood pressure is such a simple but important step in protecting your long-term health.”

The best way to reduce your risks is through getting your blood pressure checked, noting that a reading of 140/90 mmHg or above in a clinical setting, or 135/85 mmHg or above when measured at home, is generally considered high.

Although it’s important to remember that one reading alone does not always confirm a diagnosis, so repeated checks or home monitoring is sometimes best.

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Alongside this, it is advised that you eat a balanced diet that limits salt and exercise regularly, avoiding smoking and keeping alcohol intake within recommended limits – these all factor into healthy blood pressure.

Dr Lo Monaco added: “The most effective approach is not to focus on one magic food or supplement. It is about understanding your individual risk, checking your blood pressure and cholesterol, and addressing problems early.

“If you discover that your blood pressure is high, do not panic – but do not ignore it either. Speak to a healthcare professional about what your results mean and whether lifestyle changes, medication or both are appropriate.”