The Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership is backing a campaign to increase awareness of the health risks of high blood pressure.
Know Your Numbers Week takes place from 2 – 8 September. It is organised by Blood Pressure UK and encourages people to get their blood pressure checked.
A range of events are taking place across Humber and North Yorkshire to encourage people to come forward and get a free blood pressure check – as it is estimated 145,000 people are thought to have undiagnosed high blood pressure in our region.
Also known as hypertension, it is often referred to as the ‘silent killer” as it rarely has noticeable symptoms. Untreated, it increases the risk of serious problems like heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and other serious illnesses.
Dr James Moult, a GP at Modality Partnership in Hull, said: “Around one in four adults in the UK have high blood pressure, although many will not even realise it. That’s why getting your blood pressure checked and ‘knowing your numbers’ is so important.
“Whether it is getting your blood pressure checked at your GP practice, visiting your local pharmacy or measuring your own blood pressure with a home device – it’s the first step in helping us identify any issues that could put you at greater risk of serious ill health.
“If hypertension is identified, your GP practice will then work with you to make lifestyle changes and to manage your levels.”
Dr Anam Abrar, a GP at Ancora Medical Practice in Scunthorpe and the Clinical Lead for cardiovascular disease prevention in North Lincolnshire, said: “Every day in the UK, 350 people have a stroke or heart attack caused by high blood pressure. We can prevent this.
“We believe every adult in the UK should know their blood pressure numbers in the same way they know their height and weight.
“If detected early, simple changes to lifestyle like healthy eating, reducing salt intake, cutting down on caffeine, 30 minutes exercise five days a week, reducing alcohol intake and stopping smoking and reducing weight can all help achieve a healthy blood pressure reading.”
This year’s national campaign is particularly focused on monitoring blood pressure at home, with the theme being ‘You Have the Power’.
Home monitoring is an effective and inexpensive way for people to keep track of their numbers without the need to visit a healthcare professional. It offers people a way to take control of their health, feel confident, and take the pressure off the NHS at the same time.
To find out more information and a list of some of the pop-up blood pressure stations and health kiosks available during Know Your Numbers Week, please visit the Let’s Get Better website.