Know Your Numbers Week – Blood Pressure Awareness Week

The month of September is home to Know Your Numbers! Week, the UK’s largest awareness week for blood pressure.

This year’s theme is ‘You Have the Power’, and the aim is to educate people on the importance of knowing their blood pressure numbers and how to check this in the comfort of their very own home.

And with one in three adults in the UK living with high blood pressure, it’s clear that this is an issue that needs tackling head on.

But the first step doesn’t have to be taken in a GP surgery or in a medical setting, it can be at home.

Life can be stressful, and leading care provider, Radis Community Care’s Wellbeing Nurse, Rachel Peake explains why it’s important to regularly check your blood pressure and how to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.

A healthy blood pressure reading is considered to be between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80mmHg, with a high blood pressure reading considered to be 135/85 or higher if taken at home. Of course, this will vary depending on age and any health conditions.

1. Prevention

In the UK, high blood pressure is the third biggest risk factor for all disease, and so prevention is crucial.

Many people assume they need to visit a GP or health professional to have their blood pressure checked, however it can be done just as accurately in the comfort of your very own home.

Don’t wait to reach a certain age or to see if you have a particular health condition – prevention is key and this should begin at home and at any age.

Home monitoring is a reliable and inexpensive way to keep track of your blood pressure.

When not treated (or prevented), high blood pressure can increase a person’s risk of developing more serious conditions such as heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and heart failure.

2. Symptomless

Typically, high blood pressure displays no symptoms, meaning it can’t be detected without being physically checked.

However, there are a few symptoms that a person with high blood pressure may experience. These include:

• Headaches
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Blurred vision
• Feelings of stress or anxiety
• Lack of concentration
• Stroke-like symptoms
• Acting out of character
• Feeling unwell

These symptoms are very similar to many other health conditions, therefore it isn’t very obvious when a person is experiencing bouts of high blood pressure. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms and to get your blood pressure checked if you feel any of the above.

3. Things to avoid

As well as trying to live and lead a health and active lifestyle, it’s important to avoid the following.

• Eating too much salt and fat
• Excessively or regularly consuming alcohol
• Drinking drinks with too much caffeine
• Smoking

Eating a well-balanced diet with regular exercise are two key things to help prevent high blood pressure. However, some people can do all of the right things and still end up living with high blood pressure.

What to do if you have high blood pressure

First of all, don’t panic! High blood pressure can be treated, and can even be temporary in some cases.

Stressful events or circumstances can cause high blood pressure for short periods of time, however for whatever reason you are experiencing high blood pressure readings at home, then you must consult your GP. Some pharmacists are also able to check your blood pressure if you’re feeling concerned.

The GP will take your blood pressure reading and talk you through the next steps.

High blood pressure can be treated with medication or some small, simple lifestyle changes.

However, it is important to check your blood pressure on a regular basis and get to know your normal.

For more information on Radis Community Care and the services on offer, please visit: www.radis.co.uk.