- High blood pressure has been called a ‘silent killer’ because it has no symptoms
More than four million people in England could 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 is estimated to affect 32 percent of adults, but around three in ten of these go 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.
As part of the Pharmacy First programme, people aged 40 and over are being urged to take up the offer of a free test. This is fast and does not require a prior reservation.
The ‘silent killer’ often has no symptoms, but if left untreated it can lead to fatal conditions (stock image)
About a sixth of 2,000 people surveyed say they don’t want to have 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 years old, 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 put off a blood pressure check because they feel unhealthy or stressed. And a fifth did not know that untreated high blood pressure can cause strokes and heart attacks.
Health Secretary Andrea Leadsom said: ‘Millions of adults in England unknowingly have high blood pressure, without experiencing any symptoms.
‘Knowing whether you have healthy blood pressure is so important and this new boost will help prevent the potentially fatal consequences of untreated high blood pressure.
‘I urge people to go to their local pharmacy today to get their blood pressure checked. It can be a life-saving journey.”
The research found that the majority of those at risk prioritize annual tasks, such as getting their car inspected, servicing their boiler or renewing insurance, 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 medications or lifestyle changes. Professor Whitty added: ‘Even if diagnosed, the good news is that the disease is usually easy to treat.
‘Having your blood pressure checked at a pharmacy is free, quick and you don’t even need an appointment. So come by today for a check-up. It could save your life.’