- High blood pressure has been called a ‘silent killer’ as it shows no symptoms
<!–
<!–
<!– <!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
More than four million people in England may be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, according to the NHS.
The ‘silent killer’ often has no symptoms, but if left untreated it can lead to fatal heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vascular dementia.
It affects an estimated 32 percent of adults, but approximately three in ten of these remain undiagnosed. Now the NHS has launched a campaign to find the ‘missing millions’, announcing a further 2.5 million blood pressure checks in community pharmacies this year and next.
Under the Pharmacy First program, people aged 40 and over are encouraged to take up the offer of a free test, which is quick and does not require advance booking.
The ‘silent killer’ often has no symptoms, but if left untreated, it can lead to fatal conditions (stock image)
About a sixth of the 2,000 people surveyed say they have put off getting a blood pressure check because they don’t feel unhealthy or stressed (stock image)
Factors that can increase the risk of high blood pressure include being over 65, being overweight, not exercising enough, drinking too much alcohol or coffee, eating too much salt, stress and smoking.
Data reveals widespread misconceptions about the condition, with around a sixth of 2,000 people surveyed saying they have been put off getting a blood pressure check because they don’t feel unhealthy or stressed. And a fifth did not realize that untreated high blood pressure can cause strokes and heart attacks.
Health Secretary Andrea Leadsom said: ‘Millions of adults in England have unknowingly high blood pressure without experiencing any symptoms.
‘Knowing whether you have a healthy blood pressure is so important and this new operation will help prevent the potentially fatal consequences of untreated high blood pressure.
‘I urge people to go to their local pharmacy today to have their blood pressure checked. It could be a life-saving trip’.
The survey found that the majority of those at risk prioritize annual tasks such as getting their car MOT’d, their boiler service or insurance renewal over checking their blood pressure.
Data reveals widespread misconceptions about the condition (stock image)
Chief Medical Officer for England Sir Professor Chris Whitty said: ‘High blood pressure usually has no symptoms but can lead to serious health consequences such as a fatal heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and vascular dementia.
‘The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have a simple, non-invasive blood pressure test.’
High blood pressure can usually be reversed with medication or lifestyle changes. Professor Whitty added: “Even if you are diagnosed, the good news is that it is usually easy to treat.
‘Getting your blood pressure checked at a pharmacy is free, quick and you don’t even need an appointment, so get checked today – it could save your life.’