This is the disease known as the silent "killer"! BEWARE of the symptoms

High blood pressure is responsible for 60% of strokes and half of heart attacks. If you have it, you are twice as likely to end up in the hospital than for some more "harmless" illnesses.

Cindy Jodar, senior cardiology nurse at the British Heart Foundation, told the Sun on Sunday Health that there are up to five million adults in the UK who have undiagnosed high blood pressure.

"Many people are not aware they have a problem until it is too late. High blood pressure significantly increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. It can also lead to other problems, such as kidney failure, heart failure, vision problems and vascular dementia," she said.

What is high blood pressure?

The first is systolic blood pressure. This is the highest level your blood pressure reaches when your heart beats, forcing blood around your body. The second is diastolic pressure, the lowest level your blood pressure reaches as your heart relaxes between beats. Both are measured in millimeters of mercury, with the systolic value first and the diastolic value second. The NHS says the ideal blood pressure is between 90/60 and 120/80.

The most common symptoms of patients with high blood pressure are:

faint

ringing in the ears

unsteadiness while walking

pain

panting

a feeling of fast or irregular heartbeat

CAN IT BE CURED?

If you have high blood pressure, you may need medication to lower it. It is very important that you go for systematic examinations.