Your blood pressure reading is an indication of how well your heart works. However, apart from this, we should remember that nutrients are carried to the cells by the blood circulation, and that the whole body will suffer from decreased health if the circulation is impaired.

The first blood pressure reading (systolic) indicates how the heart contracts and at what rate the blood is pushed into the arteries, while the second reading (diastolic) shows the pressure in the arteries after contraction.

The reason why doctors are more concerned with the second reading, is that this will be higher and higher as the arteries become narrowed by plaque - and is therefore an indication of developing cardiac disease, and used to determine the progress of existing disease.

When the heart works consistently too hard, it enlarges and becomes weakened, while the inside layer of the arteries becomes hardened and scarred. A doctor will prescribe cholesterol-lowering medication even to those who are only at risk of cardiovascular disease, in the hope of lowering fatal outcomes.

To avoid developing any of these problems, take care to eat fresh fruit and vegetables every day. If not avoiding meat altogether, try to eat more vegetable protein than meat protein and cut down on sugar and fruit juice, and avoid processed meats as far as possible.