Nurse explains red flag sign in your neck that could be symptom of deadly disease

A nurse has highlighted a warning sign in your neck that should never be overlooked as it could indicate a killer condition.

In the UK, about 14.4 million people are affected by high blood pressure, with nearly nine million oblivious to their plight, according to the British Heart Foundation. Nurse Dutton of Riverside Mathews Medical Center warned: "High blood pressure (or hypertension) is known as a silent disease, because you may not feel any symptoms at all."

Yet some signs such as neck pulsations can alert those informed to high blood pressure. Other indicators could suggest prolonged untreated hypertension. If it's been over a year since your last blood pressure check, getting screened is essential. Unchecked, high blood pressure can overload several organs, warns the NHS.

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Without proper management, high blood pressure can lead to:

• Heart disease
• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Heart failure
• Peripheral arterial disease
• Aortic aneurysms
• Kidney disease
• Vascular dementia

Extended high blood pressure risks severe health issues. Blood pressure testing is easily accessible or even feasible at home using pharmacy-bought monitors, reports the Express. However, what triggers blood pressure elevation remains complex and multifactorial.

Factors that can contribute to high blood pressure include chronic stress, obesity, being over the age of 65, and a lack of physical activity. Those who smoke, consume excessive amounts of alcohol or caffeine-based drinks, or have a diet high in salt are also at an increased risk.

Regardless of whether you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to looking after your health. This includes regular exercise - at least 150 minutes per week - and avoiding smoking. Other beneficial steps include following a balanced diet and managing stress levels effectively.