One in three UK adults suffers from high blood pressure - which simply means the heart has to work harder than normal to pump blood around the body. Left untreated, it can significantly increase the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke or heart attack.

Contributory factors include age, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, smoking, lack of exercise and obesity. Think you may be at risk? Get checked out by your GP or pharmacist. Measures such as keeping fit and cutting down on salt, caffeine and alcohol can help tackle the problem. And you don't need us to tell you that if you're a smoker, you really should give up!

Read on for more fuss-free products and tips to keep your blood pressure in check...

By Jane Murphy

How does it work? This daily health tonic is made from fresh olive leaves that contain 30 times more health-boosting, heart-saving antioxidants than extra virgin olive oil. An example? Oleuropein is thought to play a part in supporting healthy blood pressure by promoting relaxation of the artery walls. Simply take 2-3 tsp each day with food.

Buy it: £8.99 from www.comvita.co.uk and health stores nationwide.

How do they work? Several well-known aromatherapy oils are thought to lower blood pressure. Expert Jennie Harding recommends a massage oil blend of six drops of lavender oil, three drops of orange blossom and one drop of ylang ylang. Use on the neck and shoulders or feet.

Buy them: Prices start from £4.90 at www.tisserand.com.

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How does it work? Hibiscus contains antioxidants known as anthocyanins, which have been found to lower blood pressure by improving capillary function and strengthening collagen. For noticeable results, experts advise drinking two cups of hibiscus-based juice or tea each day.

Buy it: Simply Hibi juice costs from £1.39, from Waitrose, Sainsbury's and Holland & Barrett; Simply Hibi Whole Flower Hibiscus Tea costs £4 from www.simplyhibi.co.uk.

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How do they work? Never heard of rutin? Nor had we - but it turns out it's a natural bioflavonoid culled from the fruits of the Brazilian Fava D'Anta tree. It's thought that rutin helps lower blood pressure by neutralising cell-damaging free radicals and strengthening capillaries. For maximum effectiveness, take daily with vitamin C.

Buy them: £7.45 from www.hollandandbarrett.com.

How does it work? Good old garlic is thought to help lower blood pressure, thanks to a powerful ingredient called allicin, which stops those pesky free radicals in their tracks. If you don't like the taste of fresh garlic, you can take it in daily supplement form - with added heart-boosting antioxidants.

Buy it: Kwai plus Omega 3 costs from £7.99 from Boots, Morrisons and chemists nationwide.

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How does it work? This nutraceutical drink claims to do exactly what it says on the packet after six weeks of twice-daily use. The magic ingredients? 100% natural dairy peptides - milk proteins - which help blood vessels to relax and widen. Add a sachet to your favourite drink or yoghurt.

Buy it: from £15.79 from Asda, Waitrose or www.workswithwater.co.uk.

How does it work? Concord grapes contain a super-high concentration of heart-boosting antioxidants, which fight free radicals and encourage flexible arteries. Recent US research suggests that drinking Concord grape juice daily helps the free flow of blood by stopping platelets from clumping together.

Buy it: Welch's Purple Grape Juice costs around £1.50 from supermarkets nationwide.

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How does it work? Monitoring your blood pressure at home can help you keep tabs on your heart health - and give you the push you need to stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine. Readings can be uploaded to your PC so you can see any fluctuations in results at a glance. A healthy blood pressure reading should be above 120/80 - and below 140/90.

Buy it: £69.99 at www.homedics.co.uk.

How do they work? Fish oils have been proven to reduce blood pressure, thanks to the heart-boosting effects of omega-3 fatty acids. Try to eat oily fish such as salmon or mackerel at least three times a week - or take a daily supplement, such as these antioxidant-rich capsules.

Buy them: £6.99 from Boots.

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How do they work? As you probably already know, calcium and magnesium work together to maintain strong bones and teeth. However, deficiencies in both have also been linked to high blood pressure, so taking a daily supplement can help guard against this.

Buy them: £2.99 from www.hollandandbarrett.com.