NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight are encouraging residents to check their blood pressure as part of this year’s ‘Know Your Numbers Week’ campaign, led by Blood Pressure UK. By supporting people to check and manage their blood pressure, the campaign supports the NHS 10-year plan’s commitment to focus on prevention and keeping people well in their communities.
The theme for this year is ‘looking for the missing millions’. Right now, 5 million UK adults ages 18 – 64 may have undiagnosed high blood pressure. It is one of the biggest risk factors for strokes, heart attacks and kidney disease.
Anna’s story
At just 26 years old, Anna from Hampshire thought high blood pressure wouldn’t be something she would have to think about until much later in life. When she joined a local gym, her free health check flagged a blood pressure reading so high that the staff thought their machine was broken. After checking on three separate machines, it became very clear that the result was real. Anna was advised to see her GP immediately and was not allowed to use the gym in the meantime.
The next morning, her GP confirmed she had a dangerous reading of high blood pressure and prescribed beta blockers. Over the following weeks she underwent blood tests, kidney checks and an MRI scan, but no underlying cause was found.
Now aged 32, Anna manages her health with daily medication and monitoring her blood pressure weekly at home.
“Finding out so young was such a shock.” Anna explains. “I never thought this would happen, especially while being young, fit, and healthy. Knowing my numbers has helped me take control and save my life. I’d encourage anyone, no matter your age, to check your blood pressure.”
Dr Zaid Hirmiz, a Hampshire GP and Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight said: “High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. You can feel perfectly well but still be at risk of life-threatening conditions such as strokes, heart attacks and kidney disease. That’s why it is so important to regularly check your blood pressure.
“Anna’s story shows that it’s not just something that affects older adults. Knowing your numbers really can save your life.”
There are several ways you can get your blood pressure checked:
- Contact your GP
- Visit your local pharmacy
- Use a blood pressure monitor to check it at home.
Further information on how to measure your blood pressure at home can be found on the Know Your Numbers website. Here you can find resources for home monitoring, and simple steps to get an accurate reading to make the most out of home monitoring.
There are simple lifestyle choices that you can make to help reduce your blood pressure:
- Cut down on salt – Don’t add it when cooking or at the table. Check food labels for salt content and avoid processed foods high in salt. Aim to eat less than a level teaspoon (6g) a day.
- Eat well – a healthy, balanced, high fibre diet that includes plenty of fruit and vegetables – at least five different portions every day will help.
- Keep active – No matter how much you do, physical activity is good for your body and mind. Adults should aim to be active every day.
- Drink less alcohol – cutting back on alcohol does not just help improve your health, it can boost your energy, help you lose weight and save money.
- Stop Smoking
Further information about the Know Your Numbers Week campaign is available here: Know Your Numbers Week