This week (8 to 14 September) is Know Your Numbers Week, which is an annual awareness initiative by Blood Pressure UK. It stresses the importance of checking your blood pressure, especially for those who are over the age of 40.
Last year, the NHS Iaunched a new national campaign to find the ‘missing millions’ who have undiagnosed high blood pressure.
High blood pressure, often described as a ‘silent killer’, affects an estimated 32 per cent of adults. As the condition rarely has any symptoms, approximately three in 10 of these remain undiagnosed, equating to 4.2 million people in England.
There are often no clues about who might have high blood pressure - the only way to know is to have a simple test.
Dr Nirmalan Arulanantham, Consultant in General Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, explained why people should have their blood pressure checked.
He said: “Elevated blood pressure is linked to a variety of medical conditions including heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. Early detection and treatment is important in preventing these complications. Blood pressure is a silent disease-in the majority of cases-hence the need for having blood pressure measured.
“If people think their reading is too high then they should talk to their doctor in the first instance. Very early blood pressure can be managed by lifestyle measures although many people will need treatment.
“Genetics, increased weight, excessive salt intake and lack of exercise can all contribute to high blood pressure.”
Dr Louise Buchanan, Consultant Cardiologist and Medical Director at NCIC, is taking the opportunity to highlight the importance of blood pressure checks.
More than four million people are estimated to be living with undetected or untreated hypertension. The only way to find out if your blood pressure is high is to have your blood pressure tested. It's recommended that all adults over 40 years of age have their blood pressure tested at least every five years. Checking your blood pressure is quick, simple and painless.
Dr Buchanan said: “Cardiovascular disease is the single biggest area where the NHS can save lives as it is largely preventable. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the most common modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is underdiagnosed. If it is identified early then appropriate treatments can be put in place which do make a difference. That’s why it is so important that everyone knows their own blood pressure numbers – if you haven’t had your blood pressure taken recently make it a priority to go and get it checked – it could save your life!”
Around one third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure which rarely has noticeable symptoms but if untreated, it increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.
If you have a recent blood pressure reading, you can use the NHS Check your blood pressure tool to understand what your reading means. You'll also get information about what to do next.
Visit the NHS website to find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks near you or search ‘pharmacy blood pressure check’.
Visit NHS UK and British Heart Foundation to find out more.
Which age group should get it checked?
Age 40 or older: Get your blood pressure checked at least once a year.
Ages 18-39: If your blood pressure is optimal and you have no risk factors, get it checked at least once every 2-5 years.
Individuals with risk factors: Get screened annually, regardless of age.
At every routine check-up: A blood pressure check is a standard part of most health check ups.