South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) is backing this year’s ‘Know Your Numbers Week’ campaign, encouraging people across Hampshire to get their blood pressure checked and reduce their risk of serious health conditions.
High blood pressure is one of the UK’s biggest hidden health risks – contributing to strokes, heart attacks, kidney disease and even dementia – yet it often comes with no symptoms. According to Blood Pressure UK, an estimated five million adults between 18 and 64 may be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure.
How to get checked
Local residents can:
- Contact their GP for a blood pressure check
- Visit a local pharmacy offering free checks
- Use a home blood pressure monitor
Guidance on checking your blood pressure at home can be found on the Blood Pressure UK website: bloodpressureuk.org.
Lifestyle tips to reduce blood pressure
If you find your blood pressure is high, small changes can make a big difference:
- Cut down on salt
- Eat a healthy, balanced, high-fibre diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables
- Increase physical activity
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Stop smoking
A normal blood pressure reading should be below 140/90 mmHg. Higher readings should be discussed with your GP. Low blood pressure (90/60 mmHg or less) is usually not a problem but can sometimes signal another condition.
SCAS is urging everyone to take part in this year’s campaign to know their numbers and take action if needed – helping to protect their long-term health.