As the NHS explains, being overweight forces your heart to work harder to pump blood around your body, which can raise your blood pressure.
“If you do need to lose some weight, it’s worth remembering that just losing a few pounds will make a big difference to your blood pressure and overall health,” adds the health site.
In addition to following a heart-healthy diet, keeping active can also encourage weight loss and lower blood pressure by keeping your heart and blood vessels in good condition.
According to the NHS, adults should do at least 150 minutes (two hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as cycling or fast walking, every week.
