Raised blood pressure also increases the risk of stroke. It is now
routine for adults to have their blood pressure measured at intervals when
they visit their general practitioner. If you haven’t had it measured within
appointment to see your doctor or
the last 2 or 3 years it is worth making an
practice nurse, however you rate yourself on the risk characteristics for heart
attack. (See below.) The modern treatment of raised blood pressure is very
effective and causes few side effects. Your doctor or practice nurse will
either tell you your blood pressure is normal, measure it again if it is
borderline, or start treatment if this is necessary. 
High blood pressure is particularly common in people
who are overweight. Exercise
Physical exercise undoubtedly helps, to reduce heart attack risk, but it
and
has to be vigorous enough to make you slightly breathless. Strolling a
playing golf, for example, are enjoyable but are probably not sufficiently
cycling and participation in sports, such as football, are examples of the kind
energetic. Brisk walking on the level, or hill walking, swimming and
of exercise you need to consider.
20-30 minutes three times a week. So don’t rely on bursts of activity at
Exercise also has to be regular if it is to go on helping; i.e., for at least
irregular intervals. Work up gradually to what you can easily manage. If
you are unsure about the advisability of vigorous exercise for medical
reasons, consult your general practitioner. 
Exercise also has to be regular if it is to go on helping: it for a least
20-30 minutes three times a week. So don’t rely on bursts of activity at
irregular intervals. Work up gradually to what you can easily manage. If you
are unsure about the advisability of vigorous exercise for medical reasons,
consult your general practitioner 
Prevention by medicine
If the risk of a heart attack is particularly high, your doctor may
consider using medicines to lower the blood cholesterol level, to reduce
blood pressure or to reduce the blood’s clotting power. But these drugs
should only be used by those who really need them after full consultation
with a doctor. Aspirin is valuable for those who have already had a heart
attack or a stroke and reduces the chance of a further attack. Although
aspirin may also protect against a first heart attack yet it is possible that it
slightly increases the risk of a stroke and it is, therefore, not recommended
for routine use in healthy people. It is not without side effects such as
increased risk of bleeding from the stomach. Any decision to use aspirin
should be taken with the approval of your doctor.