Experts fear time bomb of heart attack as four million people have undiagnosed high blood pressure

Millions of people are at risk of heart attack or stroke – but have no idea of ​​the danger, the experts warned.

According to the British Heart Foundation, four million people under 65 would live with untreated hypertension.

This includes 1.3 million people under 45 years of age. The charity called the state a "time bomb" and urged people to have their blood pressure checked.

In the UK, four million people live with undiagnosed hypertension – and 1.3 million are under 45 years old.

High blood pressure affects about one in three adults, or more than 14 million people. Of these, approximately nine million were diagnosed by their general practitioner.

Undiagnosed – and therefore untreated – patients total five million, including four million under 65 and one million more than this age.

Often referred to as a silent killer, high blood pressure is usually not accompanied by symptoms, so many patients are unaware of it.

If it is not treated, it can significantly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke – and is also badociated with an increased risk of vascular dementia.

Some 62,000 people die each year from heart attacks and strokes due to insufficient control of blood pressure.

However, the disease can be easily treated by a combination of lifestyle changes and medications.

The BHF urges people to have their blood pressure tested in a general practitioner's office or pharmacy – or in one of its outreach programs at football stadiums, train stations and stores.

Simon Gillespie, of the BHF, said: "Controlling your blood pressure is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.

"These numbers show that millions of adults of all ages live with untreated high blood pressure – a time bomb that compromises their future health.

"Having your blood pressure checked takes less than five minutes, but it's too easy to put it on the back burner in our hectic lives.

"We urge everyone to take a moment this month and have their pressure checked – it could save your life."

Obesity, lack of physical activity, excessive consumption of salt, alcohol and tobacco in addition to family history and age are the causes of hypertension.

The charity believes that it is essential to educate the public by reaching people outside the traditional way of hospitals and doctor's offices.

Professor Jamie Waterall, of Public Health England, said, "High blood pressure is the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes in the country. Diagnosing it earlier and managing it according to guidelines will save thousands of lives. & # 39;