A campaign to encourage people to be alert to the dangers of high blood pressure has launched in the South East to mark World Hypertension Day.
The public awareness campaign has been launched by NHS England South East and runs until the end of June 2022. It aims to highlight the threat undiagnosed high blood pressure poses to people who may be at risk across the region. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can be a silent killer as usually there are no symptoms before someone has a heart attack or stroke.
Hannah Morgan, Clinical Lead for Cardiovascular Prevention in the south east said:
“Over half of heart attacks and strokes in the UK are associated with high blood pressure, with most people with high blood pressure – not even realising they have it. It can be a silent killer as usually there are no symptoms.
“It’s so important that people know more about high blood pressure, what their readings are and where they can go to measure them – it could be their local pharmacy or their GP practice who can help manage it if needed. There is no reason why people can’t lead a normal life #LivingWithHypertension.”
As a general guide:
- High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher (or 150/90mmHg or higher if you’re over the age of 80)
- ideal blood pressure is usually considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg
- Blood pressure readings between 120/80mmHg and 140/90mmHg could mean you’re at risk of developing high blood pressure if you do not take steps to keep your blood pressure under control.
Everyone’s blood pressure will be slightly different. What’s considered low or high for you may be normal for someone else.
The campaign will feature heavily on social media using the #LivingWithHypertension to raise awareness amongst those more at risk of high blood pressure, encouraging them to know their numbers and to seek medical advice on how to manage this.
Those most at risk of hypertension are:
- Men aged 50 and over
- People from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities
Every adult in the UK should know their blood pressure numbers in the same way they know their height and weight. When you know your numbers you can take steps to look after your blood pressure and lead a long and healthy life.
