A simple but crucial step to help prevent heart disease
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) – a general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels, such as heart attacks and strokes – is a leading cause of death and disability in England. But did you know it is largely preventable? Risk factors include high cholesterol, obesity and smoking; but the major contributor to CVD is high blood pressure. And yet there is a simple way that you can help protect yourself – have your blood pressure checked. Here’s why you should take that simple but crucial step now.
A routine health check changed – and potentially saved – a single mum’s life.
High blood pressure was diagnosed during Janette Wilkinson’s annual asthma review.
“I went for a yearly asthma review and as part of that I had a test for high blood pressure. That’s how I found out,” confirmed the 59-year-old.
“I had no idea it could lead to life-threatening conditions. The doctor explained it to me.”
Janette was prescribed tablets to treat high blood pressure.
At that time she was working full-time as a teacher, bringing up her now grown-up son on her own.
Her weight ballooned and, over time, her blood pressure got higher and medication was increased.
She decided to take control of the condition and change her lifestyle. “I am 5ft 6ins tall and weighed, at my heaviest, 16-and-a-half stone.
“In the past few years through diet and exercise I have lost six-and-a-half stone,” explained the now retired headteacher.
“For exercise I walk. I mapped out a three-mile route that takes me an hour to complete. I walk anything from every day to once a week.
“I also changed my diet and I now eat more fruit and vegetables.”
Janette also “de-stressed” by cutting down internet use and making sure she enjoys what she calls “me time”.
She continued: “There are some things you can change, and some things you cannot, and you just have to deal with them instead,” she said.
“I look after my parents who are both in their mid-80s and are in fragile health. I realise when I need a break.”
Janette’s blood pressure is now where it should be at 120/80.
She added: “I am still on medication but am told I may be allowed to come off it. High blood pressure can lead to deadly conditions. It is vital you have it checked.
“You can have it done at the pharmacist and it only takes five minutes – minutes that could save your life,” she added.