Your health

QI’ve been told my blood pressure is too high. I exercise and eat fairly well. How can I bring it down?

Ria, Southampton A It can be a nasty shock to learn you have high blood pressure, but there is a lot you can do to bring it down without necessarily needing any medication.

Firstly, try to lose some weight. Even losing 5% of your current body weight can have a significant effect to lower your blood pressure.

Make sure you eat a healthy diet full of fruit and vegetables, low in saturated fat and high in fibre.

Lower your salt intake and don’t add salt to food. Cut out processed, ready-made foods which are often high in salt and saturated fat.

You should also stop smoking and take regular exercise, which makes your heart pump more efficiently and lowers your arterial resistance - lowering your blood pressure.

Dealing with any life stress, getting plenty of sleep, and cutting down on your alcohol intake, can also help you to lower your blood pressure over time.