NHS Birmingham and Solihull are encouraging local people to get their blood pressure checked for ‘Know Your Numbers’ week.
Blood pressure awareness week, coordinated by Blood Pressure UK, runs from 4 – 10 September 2023 and is the UK’s biggest blood pressure testing and awareness-raising event.
The theme this year is ‘Make the time, ease your pressure’.
The national campaign aims to raise awareness of high blood pressure (hypertension), encouraging all UK adults to check their blood pressure at home over a week, no matter their age.
High blood pressure rarely has noticeable symptoms. But if untreated, it increases the risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes. Around 1 in 4 adults in the UK have high blood pressure, although many will not realise it.
You can find more information on how to check your blood pressure and lifestyle changes to reduce your risk here.
Your practice nurse or pharmacist can measure your blood pressure, or you can take it yourself at home using a blood pressure monitor. GPs & Pharmacists across Birmingham and Solihull are working together to deliver a new service offering blood pressure checks in local pharmacies. If you are over 40 and don’t already have a diagnosis of high blood pressure you can visit one of your local participating pharmacies for a blood pressure check. Find your nearest participating pharmacy here.