Nearly two-thirds of the population are ignoring THE simplest step in reducing their risk of stroke, heart attack or heart failure by not knowing their blood pressure numbers – according to a new national survey by Blood Pressure UK to mark Know Your Numbers! Week 2018: 10-16th September.

When it comes to knowing your blood pressure numbers, a staggering 63.7% of people do not know theirs, with 16.2% thinking a healthy blood pressure reading is 130/80mmHg which implies pre-high blood pressure, compared to an ideal blood pressure reading of 120/80mmHg.

Hemini Bharadia, Know Your Numbers Week! Campaign Manager says: “High blood pressure does not discriminate on age or gender – people are dying unnecessarily because they fail to take such simple steps to reduce their blood pressure. Know Your Numbers! Week is the perfect opportunity to have your blood pressure taken for free and put you in control of your health.”

Know Your Numbers! Week is the UK’s biggest free blood pressure testing event held at ‘Pressure Stations’ around the country.

The campaign encourages people to have their blood pressure measured so they can take the steps needed to maintain a healthy blood pressure and reduce their risk of debilitating strokes and heart attacks.

High blood pressure is known as the silent killer, as there are no symptoms, it is therefore important that people have their blood pressure checked and if it is high, speak to their healthcare professional and then make the necessary lifestyle changes to help them manage it.

Key risk factors for developing high blood pressure are eating too much salt, not enough fruit and vegetables, being overweight and not taking enough exercise.

Professor Graham MacGregor, Chairman of Blood Pressure UK says: “High blood pressure kills thousands of people every year in the UK and is almost entirely preventable. It’s imperative that everyone, including children, has their blood pressure taken at least once a year and more regularly if it’s a high reading in consultation with their GP.”

For further information on Blood Pressure UK and Know Your Numbers! Week, go to: www.bloodpressureuk.org/microsites/kyn/Home/AboutKYN