Your face dropping is one clear sign of a stroke (Image: Getty) Millions of Brits are unaware whether they are at elevated risk of stroke, simply by neglecting to monitor one crucial health indicator. You could be living with a significant stroke risk without any awareness of it, as medical professionals warn that one particular sign may be causing harm for years before a serious episode occurs. The NHS estimates that approximately 4.1 million people in England are currently living with high blood pressure without knowing it — widely regarded as the 'silent killer' behind strokes and heart attacks. The condition typically presents no obvious symptoms, meaning that in most cases people may feel perfectly well, while actually facing a considerably greater risk of a serious health emergency. High blood pressure is linked to more than half of all strokes worldwide, according to the World Stroke Organisation. Yet it remains woefully underestimated, as when elevated pressure persists over an extended period, it can result in damaged blood vessels, leading to narrowing, blockages and even rupture. You can check your own health with one quick step (Image: Getty) Offering expert insight on the subject is Dr Francesco Lo Monaco, consultant cardiologist and founder of the National Longevity Clinic. He noted that an absence of symptoms can frequently represent one of the greatest dangers, which is precisely why routine blood pressure monitoring is so important. Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against arterial walls, and if excessively high, it may place additional strain on the vessels supplying your heart and other vital organs. He stated: "High blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors we can identify and treat to reduce the risk of stroke. The difficulty is that many people assume they are healthy because they feel well. "You cannot reliably tell whether your blood pressure is high by how you feel. Someone can be active, appear healthy and have no symptoms at all, yet still have elevated readings that need attention. That is why checking your blood pressure is such a simple but important step in protecting your long-term health." High blood pressure can lead to all kinds of issues (Image: Getty) The most effective approach to minimising your risks involves having your blood pressure monitored, bearing in mind that a measurement of 140/90 mmHg or higher in a medical environment, or 135/85 mmHg or higher when taken at home, is typically regarded as elevated. Though it's crucial to recognise that a single reading doesn't necessarily confirm a diagnosis, meaning repeated assessments or home monitoring may sometimes prove more appropriate. Ensure our latest health headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings In addition to this, it's recommended you maintain a well-balanced diet with restricted salt content and engage in regular physical activity, while steering clear of smoking and maintaining alcohol consumption within suggested guidelines - all these elements contribute to maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Dr Lo Monaco added: "The most effective approach is not to focus on one magic food or supplement. It is about understanding your individual risk, checking your blood pressure and cholesterol, and addressing problems early. "If you discover that your blood pressure is high, do not panic - but do not ignore it either. Speak to a healthcare professional about what your results mean and whether lifestyle changes, medication or both are appropriate." Choose Wales Online as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value. At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our
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