Dr Paul Bowen, GP with McIlvride Medical Practice, Poynton, and Executive Chair of NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)

DID you know one in three adults in the UK have high blood pressure?

This results in unnecessary deaths from strokes, heart attacks, heart failure and kidney failure due to poor blood pressure control.

As such, my GP colleagues and I are backing the nation’s biggest blood pressure testing event, ‘Know your Numbers!’ in the hope that we can reduce the large number of preventable deaths caused by high blood pressure.

The Blood Pressure UK campaign is taking place from 14 to 20 September and encourages the public to know their numbers by getting their blood pressure checked for free at participating pharmacies across Eastern Cheshire.

You can also get your blood pressure checked as part of an NHS Health Check, which involves a more in depth ‘check’ and needs to be booked with your practice nurse in advance.

Crucial follow-up guidance will also be provided as part of the service if necessary.

A blood pressure of above 140/90 is considered high in an otherwise healthy adult and may need treatment. If you have diabetes or some other medical conditions your ‘target’ blood pressure is slightly lower.

High blood pressure is commonly known as the ‘silent killer’ as typically there are no noticeable symptoms, though it causes progressive damage to the cardiovascular system.

Very low blood pressure can be just as serious as having high blood pressure as it can restrict the blood flow to vital organs.

Consequently, I would recommend regular blood pressure tests to monitor levels and detect any abnormalities.

You are more likely to be at risk of having high blood pressure if you:

•don’t eat enough fruit or vegetables

•have a high salt intake

•don’t do sufficient exercise

•are overweight

•drink alcohol excessively

•smoke regularly.

The British Heart Foundation offers hints and tips on how to change your lifestyle to maintain a healthy heart and blood pressure rate. Find out more at bhf.org.uk.

Adapting your way of life and knowing your numbers can reduce your health risks significantly.

All it takes is a simple, painless, free two minute test that could save your life!