Do You Know Your Numbers?

Spotting high blood pressure could be a lifesaver. Our Health Writer, Colleen Shannon, reports.

THERE is a special chance to have your blood pressure checked quickly and conveniently, because Know Your Numbers! Week is coming up. About a quarter of a million people take advantage of this service every year, so why not join in?

Between September 18 and 24, you’ll be able to visit one of the many “pressure stations” that will run across the country. You will find them in pharmacies, GP surgeries and hospitals, health clubs, leisure centres, shopping centres, supermarkets and maybe even at your workplace.

Volunteers will also be on hand to provide information, and give advice on simple steps you can take to keep your blood pressure under control.

The idea is that we should all know our blood pressure, the same way we know other vital statistics like our height and weight.

It’s important to know your reading because many people with high blood pressure (hypertension) are not aware they have it. Yet it is the most common long-term health problem in the UK.

It is a leading cause of death and disability, and hypertension is responsible for at least half of heart attacks and strokes. Hypertension also puts you at greater risk of kidney disease and vascular dementia.

This is what I heard from Shefalee Loth, Nutritionist at Blood Pressure UK. She explained that raised blood pressure is known as the silent killer because it has no symptoms. Sadly, the first time some people learn they have it is when they suffer a stroke or heart attack.

Everyone should get their blood pressure checked either by their GP or by using a home blood pressure monitor. A normal reading is 120/80mm Hg (that stands for millimetres of mercury – remember that silver column on the old type of equipment?) If it’s normal, the standard advice is to have your blood pressure checked every five years.

After the age of fifty you should have it checked every year. That’s because everyone is more likely to develop hypertension as they get older, and the quicker the readings are picked up, the sooner you can do something about it.

Whatever your age, if you have had a reading on the high side of normal (between 130/85 and 139/89), or if you have diabetes, it is best to get your blood pressure checked every year.

If your blood pressure is high (above 140/90) your GP or health professional will advise you what to do.

High blood pressure can be treated with drugs prescribed by your GP. You can also help keep your blood pressure down by eating less salt, eating more fruit and vegetables, watching your weight, exercising regularly and being moderate with your alcohol intake.

And, of course, stop by for a check during Know Your Numbers! Week. To find your nearest pressure station, visit the Blood Pressure UK website at www. bloodpressureuk.org. You’ll also find more information about preventing or treating hypertension. Your GP surgery and many pharmacies can help any time you want a blood pressure check or advice. n