Ask Dr Miriam

Q My husband of 48 has been having quite a lot of headaches and his doctor has told him he has high blood pressure. I thought you only have high blood pressure when you’re old. A Oh, dear me no. If you have a family history of high blood pressure it can come on in middle age.

Besides, new research has revealed that men who don’t exercise very much will get high blood pressure around the ages of 42-46.

Whereas those with higher fitness levels, blood pressure didn’t show up until around 10 years later around the age of 54. And here’s some advice for your husband. The researchers have suggested that to move out of the low fitness category, men should do at least 150 minutes of moderately intense exercise a week. Your husband should take regular exercise because if blood pressure isn’t lowered it can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.