A regional daily journalist who underwent open heart surgery has urged the parents of teenagers with high blood pressure to get their children tested.

Caroline Wilson, of the Glasgow Evening Times, has launched the appeal after recalling a failure to diagnose her with the condition at 14, which prompted her to require the major operation 16 years later.

The condition, coarctation of the aorta, had been left undiagnosed and caused very high blood pressure, which led to Caroline requiring the surgery.

The operation involved the surgeon cutting out the narrowed part of her aorta and sewing in a 2cm plastic tube.

Caroline Wilson shows her scar from surgery

In a piece about the issue for the Evening Times, Caroline said: “Unfortunately, because my condition lay undiagnosed for so long, it has caused other problems. A section of my aorta has grown too big and has formed an aneurysm.

“It is life-threatening but is closely monitored and if it reaches a certain diameter, then they will operate.

“I would say to the parents of any teenager who has high blood pressure or any young adults to make sure they are tested for the heart condition.

“When I look at the scar that runs across my back I give thanks for the NHS and the incredible skill of my surgeon, Jim Pollock, who has repaired babies’ hearts the size of walnuts as well as mine.”

Caroline told HTFP: “My heart condition was missed at birth and by countless doctors through my teens and twenties.

“I hope by writing this, it may alert a parent, teenager or adult that high blood pressure isn’t always related to poor lifestyle choices.”