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Over 40% of adults in the UK are unaware that they live with a silent killer condition that often remains undiagnosed. According to research by the charity Blood Pressure UK, 43% of the population does not know their blood pressure numbers.
The charity surveyed roughly 2,000 individuals aged 40 to 55 for a “simple, quick check.” The results showed that one in three people fail to regularly monitor their blood pressure, and only 11% were aware that those over 40 should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year. An estimated 4.2 million people in England have undiagnosed high blood pressure.
High blood pressure, commonly called the “silent killer,” is a major health risk that can lead to life-threatening issues like heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, vision loss, and vascular dementia.
It puts excess pressure on essential organs such as the heart, blood vessels, brain, kidneys, and eyes, gradually causing harm that often goes unnoticed because of its lack of clear symptoms. Since it rarely shows warning signs, regular checks are crucial for early diagnosis.
The most accurate method for checking blood pressure is using an inflatable cuff around the arm to measure the pressure in the arteries. A normal reading is between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg, and numbers outside this range may require medical attention or lifestyle adjustments.
Blood Pressure UK estimates that five million people have it but are unaware.
Dr. Pauline Swift, chair of Blood Pressure UK, stated: “These findings are very concerning. High blood pressure is a silent killer — it often shows no symptoms, yet it’s responsible for more deaths than any other preventable condition in the UK.”
“The fact that nearly half of UK adults don’t know their blood pressure reading is a wake-up call. We’re urging everyone, especially those over 40, to take a simple, quick blood pressure check at home, in a pharmacy, or with their GP.
“It could be the most important step they take for their long-term health.”
Phil Pyatt, the charity’s CEO, said: “We know there are around five million people in the UK living with undiagnosed high blood pressure — the ‘Missing Millions’ who are unknowingly at risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and early 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.”
The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have a blood pressure check.
Occasionally, people with very high blood pressure have symptoms including:
- headaches
- blood shot eyes
- feeling sick or generally unwell
