SOUNESS ‘SILENT KILLER’ WARNING
Ibrox hero shares his struggles in bid to raise public awareness
RANGERS and Scotland great Graeme Souness is backing a campaign urging people to avoid a “silent killer”.
The former Gers boss is behind a new UK-wide NHS drive to find the missing millions who have undiagnosed high blood pressure.
Souness, 70, said: “It’s so important to get your blood pressure checked – in my experience, high blood pressure doesn’t only affect the usual suspects, it can, and does, affect anyone, so you could be at risk without knowing it.
“I’ve had high blood pressure for years but have been able to manage it with a routine of healthy eating, regular fitness and regular blood pressure checks.”
Described as the “silent killer”, if left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vascular dementia.
About a third of Scots adults are thought to have it without knowing it.
The NHS Get Your Blood Pressure Checked campaign has been launched, backed by health charities, to warn people of the condition.
England’s chief medical officer, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, said: “High blood pressure usually has no symptoms but can lead to serious health consequences.
“The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get a simple, non-invasive blood pressure test. “Even if you are diagnosed, the good news is that it’s usually easily treatable. “Getting your blood pressure checked at a local pharmacy is free, quick and you don’t even need an appointment, so please go for a check today – it could save your life.”
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is given as two figures.
The “top” number is the systolic pressure, which measures the pressure when the heart pushes blood out. The “bottom” number is the diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure when the heart rests between beats.
Ideal blood pressure is considered between 90 over 60 and 120 over 80.
High blood pressure is considered to be 140 over 90 or higher.
Treatment includes lifestyle changes, such as cutting down salt and taking more exercise, as well as ACE inhibitors or angiotensin-2 receptor blockers.
Broadcaster Gloria Hunniford, who is also backing the campaign, said: “Both my husband and my father sadly suffered from a number of strokes due to high blood pressure, so I know how important it is to get your blood pressure checked, even if you feel healthy.”
High blood pressure doesn’t just affect the usual suspects
GRAEME SOUNESS HIGHLIGHTS A COMMON CONDITION