The NHS has launched a new campaign to track down the millions of people who have undiagnosed high blood pressure.
Figures show that up to 4.2 million people could be living with the condition, which is often dubbed the “silent killer” due to the fact it shows no symptoms. High blood pressure can lead to a range of deadly conditions such as a fatal heart attack, stroke, kidney disease or vascular dementia.
Worrying survey data has revealed that only one in 14 respondents know high blood pressure is in most cases asymptomatic.
So, in response, the NHS has launched the Get Your Blood Pressure Checked campaign to highlight that there are often no clues as to who has high blood pressure.
The initiative is being backed by legendary ex-football player Graeme Souness and presenter Gloria Hunniford, as well as various campaign groups including the British Heart Foundation, Stroke Association, Heart Research UK, Blood Pressure UK, British Society for Heart Failure and more.
Chief medical officer for England, professor Chris Witty, urged people to get their blood pressure checked out.
“High blood pressure usually has no symptoms but can lead to serious health consequences such as a fatal heart attack, a stroke, kidney disease and vascular dementia,” he said.
“The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get a simple, non-invasive blood pressure test. Even if you are diagnosed, the good news is that it’s usually easily treatable.
“Getting your blood pressure checked at a local pharmacy is free, quick and you don’t even need an appointment, so please go for a check today – it could save your life.”
Do You Require A Blood Pressure Test?
High or low blood pressure is often an indication of serious health issues. This is why blood pressure checks are so important as they help detect and manage irregular blood pressure.
Some people are more susceptible to irregular blood pressure, and these individuals should get tested more regularly. So who exactly needs their blood pressure monitoring or a regular basis?
While many believe it’s only the elderly or those with underlying health issues, this isn’t strictly true. While these groups should definitely have their blood pressure taken more frequently, most adults are advised to get their blood pressure checked out.
If you display any of the symptoms associated with high or low blood pressure then you should probably get yourself checked out just in case.
For anyone over 40, the NHS recommends getting your blood pressure taken at least once every five years, irrespective of health. Additionally, anyone with risk factors or high blood pressure is advised to get checked out more often, ideally once a year.
These risk factors include the following:
- Family history – If you have a history of high blood pressure in your family then you should have yours regularly checked
- Obesity – Being overweight can put a strain on your cardiovascular system so if you’re overweight then be sure to get regular blood pressure tests
- Age – Older adults are advised to have regular blood pressure checks to keep an eye on their cardiovascular health.
- Unhealthy diet – If you consume a diet that’s high in sodium (salt), processed foods and saturated fats then be aware that this can contribute to hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Chronic conditions – Those who have certain chronic health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease or heart disease are automatically at a higher risk of high blood pressure
- Pregnancy – Pregnant women may develop gestational hypertension or preeclampsia during pregnancy. Blood pressure monitoring is a routine part of prenatal care
- Smoking – Smoking constricts blood vessels and increases the heart rate so if you’re a smoker then this can put you at risk of high blood pressure
- Drinking – Alcohol also does the same so heavy drinkers are also at higher risk
If you fall under any of the above risk factors then we advise getting a blood pressure check in a pharmacy. You can pop into one of our branches and a trained professional will take your blood pressure quickly. You should be done in a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
High blood pressure often has no symptoms, which is why it is known as the “silent killer”. Regular blood pressure checks can detect hypertension early, allowing treatment and lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
Adults aged 40 and over should have their blood pressure checked regularly, even if they feel well. People with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, smoking or a family history of hypertension may need more frequent monitoring.
In some cases, yes. Eating a healthy diet, reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, stopping smoking and managing stress can all help lower blood pressure. Some people may also require medication prescribed by a healthcare professional.