You have the power to take control of your blood pressure numbers – that’s the message for people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight during ‘Know Your Numbers Week’ (2 – 8 September).
The theme for this year’s campaign from Blood Pressure UK is ‘You have the Power’, reminding people that they have the power to successfully manage their blood pressure – if they know their numbers.
Around a third of people in the UK have high blood pressure, but most don’t know it. High blood pressure doesn’t have any symptoms so, the only way to find out is to have a blood pressure check.
Hampshire GP and Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Dr Zaid Hirmiz said: “With the everyday pressures of life, we know that understanding why it’s important to know your blood pressure numbers and taking the time to get them measured isn’t always a priority. However, getting a blood pressure check is the first step to preventing a heart attack or stroke.
“High blood pressure is a major cause of these diseases but usually has no symptoms until it’s too late, which is why it’s known as ‘the silent killer’.
“Knowing your numbers means you can start making healthy lifestyle changes or start taking medicines if you need them to bring your blood pressure down to a healthy level.”
There are a number of ways you can get your blood pressure checked:
- Contact your GP
- Visit your local pharmacy
- Use a blood pressure monitor to check it at home.
Hampshire residents can borrow blood pressure monitors from their local library, alongside books and magazines. In a move to help local people to take charge of their own health, Hampshire County Council is making devices available for free at all its libraries. Further information is available here.
Further information on how to measure your blood pressure at home can be found on the Know Your Numbers website. Here you can find resources for home monitoring, and simple steps to get an accurate reading to make the most out of home monitoring.
There are simple lifestyle choices that you can make to help reduce your blood pressure:
- Cut down on salt – Don’t add it when cooking or at the table. Check food labels for salt content and avoid processed foods high in salt. Aim to eat less than a level teaspoon (6g) a day.
- Eat well – a healthy, balanced, high fibre diet that includes plenty of fruit and vegetables – at least five different portions every day will help.
- Keep active – No matter how much you do, physical activity is good for your body and mind. Adults should aim to be active every day.
- Drink less alcohol – cutting back on alcohol does not just help improve your health, it can boost your energy, help you lose weight and save money.
- Stop Smoking
Further information about the Know Your Numbers Week campaign is available here: Know Your Numbers Week