Posted on September 03, 2021 by Jenny Cromack

Often, when experiencing high blood pressure, people experience no symptoms. This could result in the first signs being something major such as a stroke or heart attack. Usually the only way to really know you have high blood pressure is to simply check it… which is something you probably don’t do too often, right? With this week being Blood Pressure Awareness week, we thought it was time to share some important numbers with you.

Did you know:

  • 1 in 2 strokes and heart attacks are the result of high blood pressure.
  • Approximately 6 million people in the UK suffer with high blood pressure without knowing.
  • Everyday approximately 350 people in the UK have a stroke or heart attack, which could have been prevented.
  • 1 in 3 adults in the UK have high blood pressure.

Know Your Numbers!  is a campaign to educate people on high blood pressure and the risks that come with it. It is to encourage everyone to check their blood pressure more regularly. By spotting high blood pressure early it is much easier to treat; reducing your risk of developing something much more serious such as kidney disease, dementia, heart attacks and strokes. Usually high blood pressure can be prevented by lifestyle changes.

Every year, Know Your Numbers! offer free blood pressure checks across the UK at “’pressure stations” which can be found on the Know Your Numbers! website.

An ideal blood pressure is below 120/80mmHg, and is a number to remember.

Making small changes with the aim to reduce your blood pressure can be more effective than you think. By reducing your blood pressure by just 10mmHg you can lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke by one whole fifth. So here are some basic tips to start your lower blood pressure journey:

  • Monitor your blood pressure regularly – by monitoring your blood pressure you will have an idea on what type and level of changes you should start to be making. 
  • Healthy living – this includes becoming more physically active, keeping a healthy weight and stop/ reduce habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption.
  • Diet change – reducing saturated fats and salt is one of the first steps you should make when changing your diet. As well as consuming minimum 5 a day of a variety of fruit and vegetables.

For more information on this check out our previous blog 5 ways to control blood pressure without medication.

To find your nearest blood pressure check station during Know Your Numbers! week visit bloodpressureUK.org