Dr Amir Khan, a regular on ITV's Lorraine and This Morning, is urging everyone born before 1990 to keep a blood pressure monitor at home. Speaking on his No Appointment Necessary podcast, he said the device could be "absolutely life-saving".
The devices are inexpensive, with options available from retailers including Argos, Amazon, Boots and Superdrug. For most people aged 35 and over, Dr Khan recommends checking blood pressure once a fortnight.
'A silent killer'
"First of all, high blood pressure is a silent killer," Dr Khan said. "You don't know you've got high blood pressure often until you've had a heart attack, or you've got eye disease, or you have a random blood test that shows you've got kidney disease."
He added that younger people, as well as those with a family history of "high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or heart attacks", may also benefit from having a monitor at home.
What is the ideal blood pressure range?
According to the NHS website, high blood pressure is usually considered to be a reading of 140/90 or higher when checked by a healthcare professional, or 135/85 or higher when checked at home.
Dr Khan said on his podcast that people with regular readings "above 135 over 85" should monitor their situation more closely. He suggested checking "two or three times a day for a week" to establish an "average pattern" and, if consistent, to take those readings to a doctor.
Untreated high blood pressure puts extra strain on blood vessels, the heart and organs such as the brain, kidneys and eyes, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vascular dementia.
Can high blood pressure be managed or 'reversed'?
Doctors usually prescribe long-term medication for high blood pressure based on age, ethnicity and underlying health conditions. In early or specific cases, hypertension can be 'reversed' to normal levels through lifestyle changes or by treating an underlying cause.
The NHS suggests a "healthy, balanced diet" paired with at least 150 minutes of regular exercise a week, while avoiding too much salt, alcohol and caffeine, and quitting smoking if applicable.
