1 in 3 people in the UK have high blood pressure, but many don’t know it. It doesn’t have any symptoms so, the only way to find out is to get a blood pressure check.
As part of Know Your Numbers Week, you can get your blood pressure checked for free at over 50 local pharmacies or pop up events throughout the community. Find one near you HERE
Dr Amrit Takar, local GP and clinical lead for cardiology at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough CCG said: “Known as the silent killer as there are no symptoms, high blood pressure is the biggest single cause of death in the UK which is why it’s important that people have their blood pressure checked.
“High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks and strokes, as well as other illnesses. Once you Know Your Numbers! you can get support to help you maintain a healthy blood pressure and reduce your risk of these diseases and live well for longer.”
With unhealthy lifestyles and poor diet contributing to more young people in their 30s, 40s and 50s being diagnosed with hypertension, around 1 in 3 people in the UK are now living with high blood pressure – with 6.5 million people still remaining undiagnosed.
Rita Bali, local pharmacist added: “Key risk factors for developing high blood pressure are eating too much salt, not enough fruit and vegetables, being overweight and not enough exercise.
“Know Your Numbers Week is the perfect opportunity to pop into a local pharmacy and have your blood pressure taken and find out how you ensure you keep your blood pressure under control.”
Blood Pressure UK’s ‘Top five tips for a healthy blood pressure’:
1.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 6g a day.
2.Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables – at least five different portions every day.
3.Watch your weight – try to reach the right weight for your height.
4.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.
5.Drink alcohol in moderation – up to 14 units a week for both men and women – a glass of wine or a pint of beer is 2-3 units.
