NICHS has launched a blood pressure awareness campaign due to its concern about the number of people living with undetected high blood pressure and the fact 1 in 2 heart attacks and strokes are linked to the condition. We want to raise public awareness of this potentially deadly condition, when left untreated, in the run up to World Hypertension Day on Sunday (17th May).
Fidelma Carter, Head of Public Health at NICHS says; “Over 299,896 people, or around 20% of the adult population in Northern Ireland, have a diagnosis of high blood pressure but there is a significant number of people, around 120,000, who have high blood pressure and do not realise it. Shockingly, this means 1 in 3 of the adult population here have high blood pressure. This gives us great cause for concern due to the fact high blood pressure is the number one cause of stroke and 1 in 2 heart attacks and strokes are linked to the condition.”
“Undetected high blood pressure is often known as ‘The Silent Killer’ due to the fact it rarely causes any physical symptoms or warning signs and is often only discovered after someone suffers a stroke or heart attack. The only way to know what your blood pressure is, and if it is high, is to have it measured and that is what we are urging the public to do this World Hypertension Day, and beyond.”
“We want to raise awareness about the seriousness of high blood pressure and its link to strokes and heart attacks. We are encouraging people to get their blood pressure checked to reduce their risk of a serious health event by seeking treatment where necessary. A blood pressure check is simple and only takes a few minutes, but it really could help save your life.”
“We are also urging anyone who is on medication for high blood pressure to take it as prescribed by their doctor or health professional and to never stop taking it without talking to them and getting their approval. The risks are just too great. If you are on blood pressure medication, you should also go for an annual check to review your medication.”
Fidelma continues; “Many people associate high blood pressure with older people, but high blood pressure can affect anyone, at any age. It is important people are not complacent about their health just because they are in a younger age bracket.”
“A blood pressure check is quick, simple and only takes a few minutes, but it really could help save your life. There are several ways to get your blood pressure checked. You can make an appointment with your GP practice, where a practice nurse may be able to take your blood pressure, or you can visit your local pharmacy, many of which offer blood pressure monitoring services. We recognise that it can be difficult for some people to get a GP appointment, so we are also encouraging people to consider buying a home blood pressure monitoring machine if possible.”
“Alternatively, you could attend the free pop-up blood pressure checks we will be delivering at selected stores of our corporate partner MACE throughout May and June. Our website and social media channels have all the details about the pop-up checks so please follow us online for more details as well as lots of resources and information about blood pressure.”
The seriousness of high blood pressure is clear, but what can the public do to reduce their risk? Fidelma explains; “Having high blood pressure dramatically increases your risk of heart attack and stroke, so it is very important that if you have it, you are diagnosed and receive and maintain appropriate treatment. The good news however is it is also one of the most preventable causes of these conditions. There are many lifestyle changes we can all make to help reduce our blood pressure and maintain it at a healthy level. These changes include maintaining a healthy weight, taking regular exercise and being more active, reducing salt intake, stopping smoking, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption and cutting back on the amount of alcohol we drink. These changes might sound simple, but they really could help save your life.”
For further information and support about blood pressure, visit www.nichs.org.uk/highbloodpressure
