More than one in 4 adults in the UK have high blood pressure - but many sufferers do not even know anything is wrong.

Many people with high blood pressure feel fine but it is important to get checked by a doctor even if you feel well, as high blood pressure can do long-term damage to your body if left untreated. Around one third of people with hypertension - or high blood pressure - do not even know they have it.

That is why the disease has become known as the “silent killer” as symptoms often only appear once the condition has already reached a severe stage. Healthy adults over 40 are recommended to get their blood pressure checked at least once every five years. If you are at increased risk of high blood pressure (see below) then you should get checked once a year if possible. There are symptoms to watch out for however. High blood pressure has few noticeable symptoms but these can all indicate someone has high blood pressure.

High blood pressure doesn’t cause headaches or nosebleeds most of the time. But during a hypertensive crisis when blood pressure is above 180/120mmHg it can happen. If your blood pressure is extremely high and you have these symptoms, rest for five minutes and check again. If your blood pressure is still unusually high, it’s a medical emergency and you should call for help. It is important to remember that in all but the most serious circumstances high blood pressure is symptomless and the only way to know is to get it checked.

Brits can get their blood pressure checked at GP surgeries, some pharmacies and some workplaces also offer this service. If you are between 40 and 74 and you live in England, you can ask for an NHS health check - similar schemes are available in other parts of the UK. There are a number of simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of hypertension related illnesses. For some people losing weight is enough to reduce their blood pressure back to a normal level.