Around one in three UK adults have high blood pressure and an estimated six million people in the UK are yet to be diagnosed, however many remain unaware of the risk it poses because there are often no symptoms, until they become very unwell.
“Know Your Numbers Week” is an annual awareness initiative by Blood Pressure UK. This year it runs from 5 to 11 September 2022 and is a great opportunity to remind people about the importance of managing blood pressure and encouraging people to get their blood pressure checked.
High blood pressure can lead to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, so NHS professionals across Hampshire and Isle of Wight are using the occasion to encourage people to get tested and be more blood pressure aware.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death in England and getting tested regularly could help save lives and reduce the number of people having strokes and heart attacks.
It's recommended that all adults over 40 years of age have their blood pressure tested at least every five years so any potential problems can be detected early. It is free and easy to get tested with many community pharmacies, health hubs and GP surgeries offering it as a service.
Many community pharmacies are now offering blood pressure checks and you can find your nearest location through this map. Many patients also have or know someone who has a home blood pressure testing kit, so these can also be used to help you keep track of levels.
Dr Rory Honney, a GP working with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care System, said: “Blood pressure is known as a ‘silent killer’ due to the fact it rarely presents with symptoms other than a heart attack or stroke for which it is a key risk factor. I would like to encourage everyone over 40 to use the opportunity of Blood Pressure UK’s national campaign ‘Know Your Numbers’ as a reminder to go and get your blood pressure checked. Knowing your numbers gives you and your doctor time to address and treat you if you have high blood pressure, and so reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.
“It's also important we continue talking about the risks of high blood pressure all year round and remember these easy to access locations are here to help you live a healthier life for longer.”
You can get your blood pressure tested at a number of places, including:
- your local GP surgery
- some pharmacies - use your postcode to find a pharmacy providing BP +
- some community health hubs including the Health Hub at Festival Place in Basingstoke
For further information including how to understand your reading click here.
Top tips from the British Heart Foundation on reducing your blood pressure can be found here.