<p>If you are fit and live an active lifestyle, you may think that this excludes you from having to worry about heart problems. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Even the fittest people can have high blood pressure—just ask retired professional soccer player Graeme Souness. In a first-person recount, Graeme tells his story on <a href=”https://metro.co.uk”>Metro.co.uk</a> about how his only symptom and the simple test saved his life.</p>
<h2>Graeme’s Story</h2>
<p>Graeme Souness, a well-known figure in the world of soccer, is now in his 70s and has been fit his whole life. He had retired from professional soccer as a player in 1990, and from there he went on to manage the team at Liverpool. He was 38 years old and still extremely fit – he was doing all the same training as the players, and then some. He didn’t have any indications that there was anything wrong with his health. All he recalls was feeling very tired and worn out. Graeme recalls, “looking back, the only clue I had that something was wrong was just the tiredness. It was something I’d never experienced before.” He also noted that just one glass of wine or pint of beer would start a headache coming on, but he still didn’t think there was anything badly wrong, other than a vague sense of being a bit out-of-sorts. Ignoring the signs, he attributed it to the physical demands of his career.” (1)</p>
<p>For Graeme, discovering his high blood pressure was a wake-up call. He had a family history of the disease, having had two uncles die prematurely from it. His own father also required a bypass surgery before 70 years of age. Still, as a professional athlete, Graeme thought his active lifestyle would be more preventative. This underscores the importance of regular health checks, regardless of one’s genetic predisposition.</p>
<h2>The One Test That Can Save Your Life</h2>
<p>Graeme says that getting checked doesn’t have to be scary or complicated. In most pharmacies in the UK (and in the US, too) there are blood pressure machines that are free to use. It’s a matter of slipping your arm in the sleeve and pressing go. Some gyms have them as well. If you are unsure or have questions, you can ask the pharmacist on-site. They can help you work the machine and can give you advice based on the score the machine gives you. The whole thing takes no more than five minutes.</p>
<p>In retrospect, Graeme Souness emphasizes the significance of paying attention to subtle changes in health. High blood pressure can strike anyone, regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. It is crucial to listen to your body and seek medical advice if something feels off. Graeme warns, “Frankly, if you are at risk (for example having a family history like I did, or being overweight or over the age of 65) – you owe it to yourself and your family to stay healthy, whether that’s making lifestyle changes or taking the medication that has been so helpful for me.”</p>
<h2>Causes of High Blood Pressure</h2>
<p>High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. This condition puts strain on the heart and can lead to serious health complications. Causes of high blood pressure include genetics, poor diet, lack of physical activity, stress, and underlying medical conditions.</p>
<h2>Symptoms of High Blood Pressure</h2>
<p>High blood pressure often goes unnoticed since it is asymptomatic in many cases. However, some individuals may experience symptoms such as severe headaches, chest pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, anxiety, confusion, buzzing in the ears, nosebleeds, and abnormal heart rhythm.</p>
<h2>What to Do If You Suspect You Have High Blood Pressure</h2>
<p>If you exhibit any of the symptoms of high blood pressure or suspect that you may have this condition, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional. Regular blood pressure checks are recommended, especially for individuals with risk factors such as a family history of hypertension, obesity, or a sedentary lifestyle.</p>
<h2>The Bottom Line</h2>
<p>High blood pressure is a serious health concern that affects many individuals, even those who appear to be in peak physical condition. By being aware of the symptoms, understanding the causes, and taking proactive steps to monitor and manage blood pressure, lives can be saved. A simple health test could be the key to protecting yourself from the dangers of high blood pressure.</p>
