Blood Pressure UK are aiming to find the millions of people living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, raise awareness of the risks, and encourage everyone to check and manage their blood pressure to protect their long-term health.
Blood pressure is the term used to describe the strength with which your blood pushes on the sides of your arteries as it is pumped around your body.
Did you know?
Normal adult blood pressure is between 90/60mmHg and 130/85mmHg.
Approximately 16 million people in the UK have high blood pressure, with nearly 5 million unaware they have the condition.
High blood pressure is the biggest preventable cause of death in the UK and is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and vascular dementia.
Why does it matter?
High blood pressure significantly increases the risk of serious health conditions, including heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and vascular dementia if left untreated. As the condition rarely has any symptoms, approximately 3 in 10 of these remain undiagnosed, equating to 4.2 million people in England according to the NHS.
What can you do to reduce your risk?
The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and other health problems:
Stay active:
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming. Try brisk walking during your lunch break, cycling to work, taking the stairs instead of the lift, or joining a fitness class.Maintain a healthy weight:
Losing excess weight can have a significant impact on lowering blood pressure. mall changes such as reducing portion sizes, planning healthy meals and avoiding sugary snacks can make a difference.Cut back on salt:
Reduce added salt and limit processed foods, which are often high in sodium. Check food labels and choose lower-salt options where possible.
Limit alcohol and caffeine:
Drinking alcohol and caffeinated drinks in moderation can help keep your blood pressure under control. Try swapping some caffeinated drinks for water, herbal tea or decaffeinated alternatives, and swap some or all alcoholic drink for no or low-alcohol alternatives.
Eat a balanced diet:
Include plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, while reducing saturated fats by following the Eatwell Guide.
Stop smoking:
Smoking damages your blood vessels and greatly increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. Seek support from stop-smoking services, nicotine replacement therapies or smoking cessation apps.Take medications as prescribed:
If you've been prescribed blood pressure medication, take it as directed and speak to your GP before making any changes.
Where can you get a blood pressure check?
Your doctor’s surgery: Your GP or practice nurse can check your blood pressure.
Your local pharmacy: Some pharmacies offer blood pressure checks, and your pharmacist will also be able to point you in the direction of support and advice if you need it.
Reed Wellbeing: deliver the NHS Health Check in both Norfolk and Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster. These are available if you’re 40-74 years old, they include other checks too, such as your blood cholesterol and if you’re a healthy weight, to give you an idea of your overall health.