In this very first episode of the Heart Matters Podcast, Professor Peter Barlis takes you through one of the most important topics in heart health: blood pressure.

What do those two numbers - systolic and diastolic really mean? What’s considered high, what’s normal, and why does it matter? We’ll explore:

• Why blood pressure is often called a “silent” condition
• Symptoms and warning signs to be aware of
• Causes and aggravating factors, including sleep apnoea
• Tests your doctor may organise, from bloods and ECGs to echocardiograms and 24-hour monitors
• The long-term consequences of uncontrolled blood pressure, like heart failure
• How high blood pressure often goes hand-in-hand with cholesterol, diabetes, and other risks
• Treatments and common medicines explained in plain language
• Practical lifestyle steps you can start today

Clear, simple, and evidence-based, this episode will help you understand your blood pressure and what you can do to protect your heart.

For more resources, visit www.heartmatters.com.