PEOPLE across Worcestershire are being urged to be aware of their blood pressure as part of ‘May Measurements Month’ to improve their health.
High blood pressure can cause a series of health conditions, such as strokes, heart attacks and other cardiovascular complications.
Most people do not know they have high blood pressure, but a simple, pain free check could identify it before it becomes a serious problem.
That’s why health bosses NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire are supporting the #BigSqueeze campaign over the coming weeks.
More than 25 per cent of adults in the UK have a raised blood pressure, so it is important to check it regularly to minimise the risks of hypertension.
Checks only takes a few moments to do and often a change in lifestyle, such as cutting down on smoking or drinking alcohol, or diet will be enough to bring blood pressure down if it’s on the high side.
Anyone suffering from headaches, blurred vision, shortness of breath or even regular nosebleeds could be a sign their blood pressure is too high.
Anyone who shows these signs should seek medical advice.
Dr Paul Ferenc, Worcestershire GP and cardiovascular lead for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: “We’re pleased to be part of the Big Squeeze campaign.
“A raised blood pressure may mean that you have hypertension, and this significantly increases your risk of serious condition.
“Many people are not aware that they have raised blood pressure, and sometimes the first sign can be a heart attack or stroke.
“The only way to find out is to have a simple blood pressure check which only takes a few minutes.”
“More than one in four adults in the UK have raised blood pressure, so we are encouraging people to check theirs.”
Checks can be done at home, at GP surgeries or at most local pharmacies.
If blood pressure is high, steps can be taken to reduce the risk of conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, strokes and vascular dementia.
Figures show around 50 per cent of heart attacks and strokes in the UK are associated with high blood pressure.
Dr Ferenc said: “If you’re concerned about your blood pressure, then speak to your local GP surgery or local pharmacist for advice.”
