Be a life changer during Know Your Numbers Week
Ordinary people are being encouraged to do something extraordinary by helping to change and possibly save the lives of those around them.
Millions of people are completely unaware of the dangers facing them from a common but potentially deadly or disabling health problem – high blood pressure.
With the demands of everyday life, taking time to learn about your blood pressure and getting it checked might not always seem like a priority but did you know that a simple blood pressure check could be the first step in preventing heart attacks and strokes?
Your local NHS is excited to be part of the Know Your Numbers campaign once again, helping to raise awareness about a major public health issue that is preventable and manageable. That’s why, this Know Your Numbers Week (2-8 September), anyone who is already aware of their own blood pressure is urged to make sure their family, friends, neighbours and colleagues all know theirs too.
Dr Lalitha Iyer, Chief Medical Officer of NHS Frimley, said: “Every day there are more and more opportunities for us to discover what our blood pressure readings are. More people have their own monitors at home as the machines have become more affordable and we urge them to think of getting their wider families, friends and neighbours involved.
“There are more monitors in GP reception areas and in other public spaces; pharmacies are offering blood pressure testing; there are monitor-lending schemes through libraries in some areas, and blood pressure testing is carried out by practices as part of NHS health checks and as a routine part of many other diagnostic procedures.
“Anyone who has been diagnosed with high blood pressure and is now being supported to monitor and manage their condition will hopefully understand the importance of regular testing. I want to encourage them to spread the word and help ensure that people use any opportunity they have to test their blood pressure, and that if their General Practice asks for a reading, that they take a minute to test and to provide that reading. It really could save their lives.”
Across East Berkshire, Surrey Heath, Farnham and North East Hampshire, the numbers of people who are being supported to manage high blood pressure have risen as a result of a concerted effort by the NHS, GP practices, pharmacies, local authorities and the voluntary sector to reach more people. As more people provide readings it helps health and care services to support them better in managing their condition and ensuring they receive the best possible care.
High blood pressure, sometimes referred to as ‘the silent killer’ because it often has no symptoms, affects one in three adults in the UK and is a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes, heart disease, kidney disease, eye problems and in the longer term, dementia. The condition is responsible for more than 70,000 deaths per year in the UK alone.
High blood pressure can be caused by a range of factors, from lifestyle to genetics. A healthy, active lifestyle, a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight are all essential to lowering or maintaining your blood pressure.
You can find out more information on the Frimley Health and Care blood pressure webpage.