Over 40% of UK adults are unaware of their blood pressure levels, despite it being the leading avoidable cause of fatality. In light of this, Blood Pressure UK has released new findings for Know Your Numbers! Week, taking place from September 8 to 14. The research highlights that a third of individuals fail to routinely check their blood pressure, with just 11% knowing that those over 40 should do so annually.
Out of the 2,000 people surveyed, half wrongly assumed that high blood pressure would present with obvious symptoms. In England alone, approximately 4.2 million people live with undiagnosed high blood pressure, putting them at an increased risk of a multitude of health issues such as strokes, heart attacks, kidney disease, and vascular dementia.
Dr. Pauline Swift, chair of Blood Pressure UK, expressed concern over these results, noting that high blood pressure is often symptomless yet leads to more deaths than other preventable conditions in the UK.
She emphasized the seriousness of the situation, especially with nearly half of UK adults not knowing their blood pressure numbers. Dr. Swift urged everyone, particularly those over the age of 40, to undergo easy and quick blood pressure checks at home, at pharmacies, or through their general practitioner.
“It could be the most important step they take for their long-term health.”
High blood pressure causes strain on the body, particularly the blood vessels, heart and other organs such as the brain, kidney and eyes.
An often underestimated consequence of high blood pressure is kidney damage, which ranks as a primary cause of kidney failure, according to Blood Pressure UK. Despite this, only 26% of people recognized this risk.
Phil Pyatt, CEO of the charity, remarked, “There are about five million people in the UK living with undiagnosed high blood pressure — the ‘Missing Millions’ who are unknowingly at risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and premature death.”
“That’s why Know Your Numbers! Week is so important. A quick check and one small lifestyle change — like cutting back on salt or walking more — could save your life. Don’t wait for symptoms. There usually aren’t any.”
