Almost 70 per cent of Manchester residents do not know their blood pressure levels, a new poll has revealed. That means they could be living with ‘dangerous, undiagnosed high blood pressure’, according to charity Blood Pressure UK.
High blood pressure remains the largest cause of premature death in the UK, says the charity. It can be prevented if people know their blood pressure and take steps to reduce it.
All adults should get their blood pressure checked and reduce their salt intake as ‘routine’, says Blood Pressure UK. High blood pressure is largely symptomless and is one of the biggest single - and preventable - causes of death in the country.
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Some 67 per cent of Manchester residents who responded to Blood Pressure UK’s survey did not know their blood pressure numbers, and could be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure. Having the undiagnosed condition can increase the chance of having a stroke, heart attack or heart failure.
Nearly six million people in the UK are ‘sitting on a ticking time bomb, unaware that they have raised blood pressure’, warns the charity. The only way of knowing what your blood pressure is, is to measure it with a home blood pressure monitor, at a pharmacy or with a GP practice nurse.
The most important blood pressure facts you need to know:
High blood pressure has no obvious signs or symptoms. The only way to find out if you have the condition is to have a blood pressure check.
Untreated high blood pressure is the major risk factor for strokes, heart attacks and heart failure. It is also a major risk factor for kidney disease and dementia.
A healthy blood pressure is a level of 120/80mmHg or less.
A blood pressure of 121/81mmHg to 139/89mmHg is on the high side and lifestyle changes such as eating less salt, more fruit and veg and losing weight if necessary should be advised.
If readings are consistently at or above 140/90mmHg, high blood pressure is diagnosed, and action should be taken to lower it by leading a healthier lifestyle, and, if necessary, by taking medication as directed by your doctor.
Research shows that eating too much salt is also a major cause of high blood pressure, particularly the rise in blood pressure with age. As a nation, if the UK cut one gram of salt from its average daily salt intake, this would cause a fall in blood pressure and there would be approximately 6,000 fewer deaths from strokes and heart attacks each year, according to the leading blood pressure charity.
Half of all strokes and heart disease cases are due to high blood pressure. Along with reducing salt intake, taking tablets which have ‘no side effects nowadays’ can also reduce the risk of developing the illnesses that can be fatal or cause life-changing disabilities, warns the charity.
How to get healthier blood pressure:
Cut down on salt – Reducing your salt intake it the quickest way to lower your blood pressure. Don’t add it when cooking or at the table, avoid using stock cubes, gravy and soy sauce, check food labels and avoid processed foods high in salt – aim to eat less than 6g a day.
Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables – at least five different portions every day.
Watch your weight – try to reach the right weight for your height.
Exercise regularly – that doesn’t have to mean the gym, how about a regular lunchtime walk? 30 minutes five times a week is ideal. If you are unsure about taking up exercise, ask your GP.
Drink alcohol in moderation – up to 14 units a week for both men and women – a glass of wine or a pint of beer is 2-3 units.
If you choose to measure your blood at home, remember to choose a home blood pressure monitor with an upper arm cuff which is the right size for your arm and make sure it is UK approved.
Phil Pyatt, CEO of Blood Pressure UK, says: “Everyone needs to take control of their health by checking their blood pressure, especially given high blood pressure does not show any clear symptoms, hence being dubbed the ‘silent killer’. That’s why it’s so important to take control of your health by knowing your numbers as well as benefiting from simple improvements in diet and lifestyle such as eating less salt, more fruit and vegetables and doing more exercise.”
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