Under Pressure

It’s responsible for 60% of strokes and half of all heart attacks, yet because it typically has no symptoms, most people with high blood pressure have no idea they are at risk – hence why it is sometimes referred to as a silent killer. The British Heart Foundation estimates that up to 4.8 million people live with undiagnosed high blood pressure in the UK, and the only way to find out whether it affects you is by having a blood pressure check. The good news, however, is that every NHS pharmacy in England will offer free blood pressure checks to people aged 40 and over as part of a new deal between pharmacies and the NHS. This will undoubtedly help to increase detection of undiagnosed hypertension. Hypertension or high blood pressure is a level that’s consistently at or above 140/90 and it affects one in three adults in the UK. Usually the cause is not clear but there are factors that can increase your risk of getting it, including: • Being overweight • Eating too much salt and not eating enough fruit and vegetables • Not doing enough exercise • Drinking too much alcohol or coffee • Smoking • Being a poor sleeper • Being aged 65 and over • Family history of high blood pressure or heart disease • Ethnicity – being of black African or black

Caribbean descent • Living in a deprived area Speaking about the new high street pharmacy blood pressure check scheme, the charity’s director of policy and influencing, John Maringay, added: “This breakthrough programme will also help with the devastating burden of backlog of care left by the Covid-19 pandemic, which could see the number of people waiting for heart care and diagnosis peak at around 550,385 in January 2024, according to our latest report. “Having your blood pressure checked by your local pharmacist is a simple and quick test that will only take about five minutes to complete. Knowing your blood pressure levels will also mean you can discuss the risks with a healthcare professional, who will signpost you to the most effective source of treatment and onward management of your condition. Prevention is always better than cure, so it’s important that you know your numbers and check your blood pressure.” It’s also possible to diagnose hypotension or low blood pressure with a blood pressure check. A low blood pressure reading is one that’s less than 90/60. Symptoms that might indicate your blood pressure is too low include light-headedness, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, generally feeling weak, confusion and fainting. Our blood pressure can vary depending on what time it is, as it gradually increases throughout the day. What we’re doing and how we’re feeling can also affect it. There’s a number of possible causes of low blood pressure. For example, it can be low because you’re fit and healthy or be inherited hypotension from your parents. Some people naturally develop low blood pressure as they age. In addition, being pregnant, having certain medical conditions such as diabetes and some medications can cause low blood pressure too.