Know Your Numbers Week is ‘looking for the missing millions’

Find out if you’re one of the five million people with high blood pressure during Know Your Numbers Week (8 – 14 September).

The theme for this year’s campaign from Blood Pressure UK is ‘Looking for the missing millions’, reminding people that five million UK adults aged 18-64 may have undiagnosed high blood pressure – increasing their risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

Many don’t even know it. That’s why getting a simple blood pressure check could literally be a lifesaver.

High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” – as it usually has no symptoms until it’s too late.  But knowing your numbers gives you the power to act – whether that’s eating less salt, being more active, or starting medication if needed. Age doesn’t matter. Everyone should Know Their Numbers!

A blood pressure check is the first step to preventing heart attacks and strokes. High blood pressure narrows the blood vessels and is a major cause of these diseases.

Knowing your blood pressure numbers can save your life.

Where can I have a blood pressure check?

Pharmacies: many pharmacies offer blood pressure checks and you can get your blood pressure checked at a pharmacy without seeing a GP. Find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks

Home monitoring is an effective and inexpensive way to keep blood pressure under control – it provides a practical way to Know Your Numbers! without visiting your GP, practice nurse, or pharmacist in person.

NHS Health Checks: If you are registered with a Knowsley GP and are aged between 40 and 74, you can also sign up for a free NHS health check which looks at your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and stroke.

The simple check includes taking your blood pressure, measuring your cholesterol by a simple finger-prick test, as well as talking about your family history and your current lifestyle. Telephone your GP surgery to make an appointment.

Living Well Bus: Knowsley residents can access a wide range of services, including blood pressure checks via The Living Well Service. Find the latest locations visited by the Living Well bus.

How to reduce your blood pressure

1. Cut down on salt – Don’t add it when cooking or at the table. Check food labels for salt content and avoid processed foods high in salt. Aim to eat less than a level teaspoon (6g) a day.
2. Eat well – a healthy, balanced, high fibre diet that includes plenty of fruit and vegetables – at least five different portions every day will help.  Find out more at Knowsley Public Health (healthyknowsley.co.uk)
3. Keep active – No matter how much you do, being active is good for your body and mind. Adults should aim to be active every day. Some is good – more is better still, just do what you can to your own ability.  If you are unsure about becoming more active, ask your GP.
4. Drink less alcohol – cutting back on alcohol does not just help improve your health, it can boost your energy, help you lose weight and save money.  Any reduction in the amount you drink every week will be beneficial to your health.  Download the NHS Drink Free Days app
5.  to help keep track of the amount you drink.
6. Stop Smoking – you can get support from https://www.smokefreeknowsley.org.uk/

Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Health said: “High blood pressure is one of the most preventable and treatable conditions but remains one of the leading causes of death. Having your blood pressure checked is the most important step that you can take to reduce your risk of stroke, heart attack or heart failure.

“With the everyday pressures of life, we know that knowing your blood pressure numbers isn’t always a priority. But taking the time to have a blood pressure check is so important and could save your life.”

Other helpful information can be found at: www.happy-hearts.co.uk

For local help and support visit the Healthy Knowsley website at https://www.healthyknowsley.co.uk/