Doctors urge Brits to get blood pressure checked – as it could save their lives
Doctors have urged Brits to get their blood pressure checked – as it could save their lives.
Almost half of all heart attacks and strokes are caused by high blood pressure but it often goes undetected as there are no noticeable symptoms. It also puts you at risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and vascular dementia. But it is a preventable and treatable conditions you can do something about. And reducing blood pressure in turn can reduce your risk of stroke by 25%.
Having your blood pressure checked is painless and takes a few moments and friends and family should be encouraged to get checked too. DerbyshireLive reports community members have been trained to carry out blood pressure checks and people may be asked next time you are with a community group. They will advise you if it is a high reading and advise that you visit your local pharmacy for a further check and advice.
Blood pressure checks can also be done at home (Getty Images)Visit your local pharmacy
If you are aged over 40, you can get your blood pressure checked for free at most pharmacies.
Some have have late and weekend opening hours to fit in with busy schedules. Pharmacists are trained to give checks and will offer you advice if your blood pressure is high, or they may refer you to your GP for further support.
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To find a pharmacy offering blood pressure checks, visit the find a pharmacy website here.
Get a free NHS Health Check
The NHS Health Check is a free check-up of your overall health and is available to anyone aged between 40 and 74. It can tell you whether you are at risk of getting certain health problems. Simple tests including body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, cholesterol and heart age are designed to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia.
You can request a health check at your GP practice.
Your practice might have a machine in their waiting room that can take your blood pressure for you. You can give the results to reception and someone will follow up with you if your blood pressure is high.
This is a great way to proactively take care of your health. Next time you go to your practice, ask if they have a blood pressure machine.
Get a home blood pressure monitor
Blood pressure can be measured in the comfort of your own home by using a home blood pressure monitor. These can be bought online. Blood Pressure UK can tell you everything you need to know about home monitoring.
Rebecca from Derbyshire had her check as part of a routine smear test and found out she had high blood pressure. She said: “The worrying part of this is that I didn’t – and still don’t – have any symptoms of feeling unwell at all. So without the trip to the nurse, none of this would have been highlighted and I would have continued as normal not knowing how high my blood pressure was. I would definitely urge everyone to get a check: It’s free, it’s safe, it doesn’t hurt and it could save your life!”
Simple things can be done to reduce blood pressure including
- Reducing your salt intake
- Doing a bit more exercise
- Eating healthier foods
- Reducing your alcohol intake
- Stopping smoking, if you smoke
Your doctor might also prescribe you some medication to help keep your blood pressure at a normal level. For more information on high blood pressure please visit the NHS website.
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