High blood pressure reads as 140/90mmHg on a blood pressure test. Without one of those machines, how could you know you have the deadly health condition? There’s a sign in your eye that could indicate you have the health issue.
An optometrist – an eye doctor – from America, Dr William White, says that while he does his routine examination on his patients, he’s always on the look out for clues indicating somebody is suffering from high blood pressure.
“We [optometrists] can see changes due to vascular conditions caused by hypertension,” he said.
Hypertension is the medical term given to high blood pressure.
Underpinning this statement, a 2013 study published in the journal Hypertension focused its attention on 2,900 patients who showed signs of hypertensive retinopathy (blood vessel damage in the eyes).
After 13 years, they found those who had a mild form of hypertensive retinopathy had a 35 percent greater risk of stroke.
That risk increased to 137 percent with those who displayed moderate to severe hypertensive retinopathy.
Dr White said: “High blood pressure has a cumulative effect. If it’s uncontrolled over years, it’s going to cause damage later in life.”
Aside from medication, if you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, there are lifestyle changes you can begin to lower your blood pressure readings.
Firstly, eat more fruit and vegetables in your diet and try to keep to a healthy weight.
Secondly, it’s advisable to cut down on alcohol if you drink it. The recommended weekly limit is 14 units.
Thirdly, eat less salt by refraining from adding any to your meals.