MORE than 280,000 people across Hampshire and Isle of Wight have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
September 5 to September 11, 2022, marks ‘know your numbers week’, an annual initiative by Blood Pressure UK to remind people about the importance of managing their blood pressure.
Around one in three UK adults have high blood pressure and an estimated six million people in the UK are yet to be diagnosed, however many remain unaware of the risk it poses because there are often no symptoms, until they become very unwell.
Across Hampshire and Isle of Wight more than 280,000 people have been diagnosed. Consequently, local health care professionals are urging people to know their numbers, to help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
NHS professionals within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are utilising the national awareness week to encourage people to get their blood pressure tested. It's recommended that all adults above the age of 40 have their blood pressure tested at least every five years so any potential problems can be detected early. It is free and easy to get tested with lots of community pharmacies, health hubs and GP surgeries offering it as a service.
Many community pharmacies are now offering blood pressure checks and you can find your nearest location using the map below.
Home blood pressure testing kits can also be used to keep track of levels. For more on how to understand your blood pressure reading go to nhs.uk/conditions/blood-pressure-test/.
Dr Rory Honney, a GP working with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care System, said: “Blood pressure is known as a ‘silent killer’ due to the fact it rarely presents with symptoms other than a heart attack or stroke for which it is a key risk factor. I would like to encourage everyone over 40 to use the opportunity of Blood Pressure UK’s national campaign ‘Know Your Numbers’ as a reminder to go and get your blood pressure checked. Knowing your numbers gives you and your doctor time to address and treat you if you have high blood pressure, and so reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.
“It's also important we continue talking about the risks of high blood pressure all year round and remember these easy to access locations are here to help you live a healthier life for longer.”
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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death in England and getting tested regularly could help save lives and reduce the number of people having strokes and heart attacks.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB) sits within the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care System (ICS) and is the statutory organisation responsible for setting the strategic plan for the NHS to deliver its part of the health and care strategy. The ICB allocates NHS resources works to Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton, whilst its transformation programmes help ensure the right health services are being delivered to people in the area.
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