New research released has shown over half of all UK adults don’t know their blood pressure numbers and could be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure.
The chances of having a stroke, heart attack or heart failure can be increased if your blood pressure is high and this is being highlighted this Know Your Numbers! Week (5-11th September).
It is estimated one in four premature deaths are caused by heart disease and it is a leading cause of disability.
South West Londoners are being encouraged to check their blood pressure figures at home or to drop into some of the local sessions being held across the area. Many local pharmacies also offer free blood pressure checks.
It is a quick and simple test that could ultimately save your life.”
Dr Nicola Jones, Wandsworth GP and NHS South West London Primary Care Lead
Wandsworth GP Dr Nicola Jones and primary care lead for the NHS in South West London, said:
“Most people know their weight but not their blood pressure numbers. I would really encourage everyone to get their blood pressure checked so that if it is high you can start to get treatment if needed or make those healthy lifestyle changes especially around diet and moving more, that can help to bring it under control. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms so you may be living with high blood pressure without knowing it. I’ll be getting my blood pressure checked and I strongly urge you to do the same. It is a quick and simple test that could ultimately save your life.”
Jessica Cox, Health Improvement Manager, One You Merton, added:
“Know Your Numbers Week is an important yearly campaign to highlight the dangers of high blood pressure and encourage people to either get their blood pressure checked at a location in their local community or to measure their own blood pressure at home. Our One You Merton service is helping to provide free blood pressure checks at different locations across Merton this week to help as many people as possible to know their numbers. To find our events nearest to you, search ‘One You Merton Know Your Numbers”.
NHS figures predict that as the service continues to develop over the next five years, 8,140 strokes and 5,500 heart attacks could be prevented as a result of the tests and around 4,400 lives could be saved.
In Wandsworth you can get your blood pressure checked on the health bus running sessions
Thursday 8 September 2022
11am to 3pm
Ensham House, Tooting, SW17 8AP
Tuesday 13 September 2022
10am to 4pm
ASDA Clapham Junction, 204 Lavender Hill, London SW11 1JG
In Merton you can get it checked this week at:
- Merton Civic Centre – Wednesday 7th September – 10am to 1pm
- Wide Way Medical Centre, 15 Wide Way, Mitcham, CR4 1BP – Thursday 8th September from 10am to 2pm
- Faith in Action Merton Homelessness Project, 109 Kingston Road, Wimbledon, SW19 1LT – Friday 9th September – 10:30am to 12:30pm
Find resources and more information at NHS UK and the British Heart Foundation website.
Monitoring your blood pressure at home
You can measure your blood pressure at home or in a healthcare setting, our simple guidelines are available:
Monitoring your blood pressure at home guidelinesIf you choose to measure your blood pressure at home, remember to choose a home blood pressure monitor with an upper arm cuff which is the right size for your arm and make sure it is UK approved.
As a general guide:
- normal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg
- high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher
- low blood pressure is considered to be 90/60mmHg or lower
If your blood pressure reading is outside the normal levels do speak to your GP or Pharmacist for further advice.
Find out more information at NHS UK and the British Heart Foundation website.
Blood Pressure UK’s ‘Top five tips for a healthy blood pressure’:
- Cut down on salt – Reducing your salt intake it the quickest way to lower your blood pressure. Don’t add it when cooking or at the table, avoid using stock cubes, gravy and soy sauce, check food labels and avoid processed foods high in salt – aim to eat less than 6 grams a day.
- Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables – at least five different portions every day.
- Watch your weight – try to reach the right weight for your height.
- Exercise regularly – that doesn’t have to mean the gym, how about a regular lunchtime walk? 30 minutes five times a week is ideal. If you are unsure about taking up exercise, ask your GP.
- Drink alcohol in moderation – up to 14 units a week for both men and women