High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is very common, particularly in older adults.
If left untreated, it can heighten a person's risk of developing several health issues, including heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, kidney disease and vascular dementia.
Some risk factors, such as your age, ethnicity or being a close relative of someone with high blood pressure, are out of your control. However, lifestyle factors also play a huge part and should not be overlooked.
GB News spoke exclusively to Dr Alan Rozanski (MD) about how those at risk can reduce their likelihood of developing hypertension.
'It's important to limit or avoid processed meats such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs and salami'
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Dr Rozanski, who is a professor of medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and director of nuclear cardiology at Mount Sinai St Luke, emphasised the importance of enjoying a healthy diet.
He advised: "Limit your intake of highly processed foods, which can raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in multiple ways."
Highly processed foods - also referred to as ultra-processed foods - typically contain ingredients and additives you wouldn't usually find in a kitchen.
The doctor explained: "These foods are often high in saturated fats and added sugars, leading to harmful changes in cholesterol levels.
"They are also low in fibre, which helps remove cholesterol and lack essential nutrients like the antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains that support overall health.
"People should reduce their reliance on highly processed foods, which make up nearly 60 per cent of the calories consumed by adults and children.
"Specifically, it's important to limit or avoid fried foods like chips and onion rings, processed meats such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and salami, as well as commercial baked goods like cookies, cakes, pastries and doughnuts."
NHS experts confirmed that being overweight and eating an unhealthy diet - particularly one that is high in salt - are risk factors for hypertension.
Dr Rozanski said: "There is some debate as to the ideal amount of sodium to consume in one's diet, but most health organisations agree that excessive sodium intake (well above 2,300 mg/day) raises the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
"To reduce sodium intake, limit highly processed foods, canned soups and hidden sources of salt like pizza.
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Stop your 'reliance' on processed foods by prioritising a 'heart-healthy diet'
GETTY IMAGES"Cooking at home helps you control salt levels, and using herbs, spices, lemons and other citrus is a great way to season food without relying on salt."
The American Heart Association advised: "Eating a heart-healthy diet is important to help manage your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke and other health threats."
Experts advised those concerned to limit their intake of saturated and trans fats, alcohol, sodium, fatty and processed meats, and foods or drinks that are packed with added sugar.
Instead, they should prioritise fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, skinless poultry and fish, nuts and legumes, plus non-tropical vegetable oils.
A second doctor shared a top tip for managing blood pressure without medication, naming the two ingredients to add to your diet.
