11 March 2024 , 00:01
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Millions of people are being urged to go to their local chemist to get their blood pressure checked.
More than 4.2 million are thought not to know they have the condition – which can lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vascular dementia.
Ex-footballer Graeme Souness, 70, and TV star Gloria Hunniford, 83, are backing the NHS ’ new Get Your Blood Pressure Checked crusade.
Chief medical officer Prof Sir Chris Whitty said: “The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get a simple, non-invasive test. It’s free, quick and you don’t even need an appointment. Please go for a check at your local pharmacy today – it could save your life.”
Get checked even if you feel healthy, says Gloria Hunniford (Getty Images for NHS)Lifestyle changes, such as cutting down on salt and doing more exercise, can help combat the problem. Former Liverpool and Scotland star Souness, who had a triple heart bypass at 38, warned it can hit anyone.
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He said: “You could be at risk without knowing it. I’ve had high blood pressure for years. I have been able to manage it with healthy eating, regular fitness and regular blood pressure checks.”
Gloria said the campaign was close to her heart as her husband and dad had strokes due to high blood pressure. She said: “I know from personal experience just how important it is to get checked, even if you feel healthy.”
The NHS is offering 2.5m more blood pressure checks within local pharmacies. Health minister Andrea Leadsom said: “I urge people to go today. It could be a lifesaving trip.”
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is given as two figures. High blood pressure is considered to be 140 over 90 or higher.
A poll of 2,000 people 40 or over found that 41% were unaware that high blood pressure can lead to heart disease if untreated. More than a fifth (22%) were unaware it can cause strokes and heart attacks.